Surge in Respiratory Virus Cases in Kansas City

If you’ve felt under the weather lately, or know someone who has, you’re definitely not alone. In late December 2025, Kansas City reported its fourth-highest weekly total of influenza cases in the last 15 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that this increase hasn’t yet peaked and is expected to last for a few more weeks.

A particular strain of the Influenza A virus, referred to as Subclade K—sometimes called a “super flu”—is largely driving this surge.

Healthcare professionals at the University of Kansas Health System are still recommending flu vaccinations, even though the current vaccine isn’t a perfect fit for this variant.

Dr. Steve Stites, Chief Medical Officer, mentioned that the influenza vaccine generally reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization by about 70% to 80%, but for this particular strain, it’s around 50% effective.

He emphasized, “Vaccination still works. Maybe not quite as well, but it’s still one of your best lines of defense.”

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, explained that vaccines are aimed more at minimizing complications rather than preventing infection entirely. “The vaccine continues to do that, even though it’s not the best match this year,” he said, adding that it helps your immune system respond better to the virus.

Throughout the 2024-2025 flu season, Kansas reported 182 deaths directly due to the flu and an additional 45 where influenza was a contributing factor. In Missouri, the total was 408 deaths, either directly caused or related to influenza.

Hawkinson also noted that if you haven’t contracted the virus yet, there’s still time to get vaccinated. “It does take about a week or more to build up that immune response, but we’re still early in the influenza season,” he said, also hinting that other variants could emerge.

To lessen the chance of spreading the virus, he recommends frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and wearing masks in public, and if possible, staying home when feeling unwell.

“We get it—people have jobs and responsibilities,” Hawkinson acknowledged. “We’re just trying to share information that helps keep everyone safe, especially those at higher risk.”

Dr. Sean Kumer, the Chief Medical Officer for the Kansas City medical system, stated that hospitals are witnessing an uptick in flu cases alongside staff infections, which is putting additional pressure on healthcare resources. “There’s two sides to this,” he said, emphasizing both patient care and staff health.

Medical personnel are now wearing masks in both inpatient wards and clinics to safeguard uninfected patients and themselves.

Even with these challenges, Dr. Stites encourages anyone feeling unwell to seek medical assistance right away. “If it seems like your illness is getting worse, don’t hesitate to reach out for help,” he advised. “Let your provider know what you’re experiencing so they can assist you.”