State joins CDC and other states in consolidated approach

FRANKFORT (Oct. 12, 2023) — The Kentucky Department for Public Health has launched a new respiratory virus website, CoverYourCough.ky.gov, a one-stop spot for finding information on COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

According to KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack, today’s move follows the approach the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other states are taking to help families find respiratory virus information at one location.

“As we continue into the fall and winter cold and flu season, this site, and a new Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard that is part of this site, will provide awareness of where Kentucky stands with regard to spikes and decreases in these viruses to help inform personal decisions,” Dr. Stack said.

The Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard will include COVID-19 and influenza data beginning the first week of October, the official start of flu season. Data will be updated weekly, on Thursdays, and will replace the current flu report and current COVID-19 dashboard. Weekly reports will be archived.

The dashboard will provide:

The number of positive laboratory PCR test results for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus reported to KDPH.

The percentage of outpatient visits attributed to influenza-like illness reported through the sentinel health care provider network.

The number of emergency department visits and hospitalizations associated with COVID-19, influenza and/or RSV.

The number of reported deaths associated with COVID-19 and/or influenza.

Pediatric deaths attributed to COVID/flu.

Anyone can get a respiratory virus infection, but some people are at high risk for serious illness. The Department for Public Health recommends Kentuckians follow the tips listed on the site to protect themselves and others this fall and winter.