Flu on the Rise in KC: What You Need to Know from Spira Care’s Dr. Darrin Davis
These are feelings no one wants to experience: A high fever, cough, runny nose, chills, body aches and a headache. If you have these symptoms according to Spira Care Physician Dr. Darrin Davis, you might have the flu, which is on the rise in the first month of 2026. Dr. Davis reports that 12 percent of patients being tested for the flu at the nine Kansas City area Spira Care Centers are testing positive.
“There is a significant increase in cases compared to last year over the last few weeks,” he said. “The risk of infection is much higher right now.”
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for the week ending December 27, 2025, doctors’ visits for flu-like symptoms reached the highest level in more than 25 years, as shown on the CDC flu map. For that same time period, Kansas City, MO Health Department data showed influenza cases doubled compared to the previous week, marking the fourth-highest weekly total in 15 years.
“People with the flu feel like they are getting hit by a truck,” Dr. Davis said. “The first day is the worst. People are contagious about a day before symptoms start and for five to seven days after getting sick.”
Dr. Davis said factors contributing to the rise of flu cases include vaccination rates being down, family holiday gatherings and kids going back to school. According to the CDC, most of the flu cases are influenza A that belong to subclade K, which has earned the nickname “super flu.”
Tips to avoid the flu
The flu shot is the No. 1 prevention tool, according to Dr. Davis.
Most health care insurance plans cover the annual flu vaccination as preventive care. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) health plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine when you get it from an in-network provider2. For Blue KC members with exclusive access to Spira Care, no appointment is needed for flu shots between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday3. Flu vaccination is often available at no or low cost to people who do not have insurance.
“The flu shot is not perfect against this strain, but the pros are definitely there,” he said. “It can still prevent infection, hospitalization and death. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to work, and flu season typically runs from October through May with peak activity in December to February, so we still encourage our patients to get the flu shot as soon as possible.”
In addition to the flu shot, Dr. Davis’ top three measures to avoid the flu are:
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Practice “hand hygiene”, as he calls it. Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid spending time with people who are sick whenever possible.
“I would tell patients that if they’re sick with flu symptoms, stay home to decrease the risk of transmission,” Dr. Davis said. “Don’t risk giving the flu to co-workers, friends and family.”
Tips to treat the flu
If you have a Blue KC plan with exclusive access to Spira Care, you’ve got a friend to fight the flu.
“We want our Spira Care patients to call us first1 if they feel like they have the flu,” said Dr. Davis. “We have dedicated registered nurses that will take their call and assess them appropriately. The big thing with Spira Care is the access. We’re able to generally get patients in the day they call or the next day to determine treatment needed.”
Dr. Davis said patients can benefit from anti-viral medications like Tamiflu and Xofluza, which are most effective when started within 48 hours of flu symptoms appearing.
“If anti-virals are not an option, it’s about symptom management,” said Dr. Davis. “Use Tylenol or Motrin, when those medications are appropriate, along with a decongestant. Getting rest and treating the fever is primary.”
People at higher risk of flu complications
Dr. Davis points to these populations who are at greater risk of severe complications if they get the flu:
- Elderly over 65
- Children, especially those under 2
- Patients with chronic disease conditions like diabetes, asthma and emphysema
- Obesity
- Pregnant patients
- Immunocompromised
“For these high-risk individuals, it is imperative that they get the flu shot and call their doctor right away to get started on treatment when they are ill,” Dr. Davis said.
Darrin Davis is a physician at Spira Care with nearly 25 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient medicine. Dr. Davis chose a career in the medical field as he wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives. He appreciates that the primary care setting allows him to see patients of all ages, and even entire families. He has a particular interest in caring for patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Sources: CDC, Kansas City Health Department
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. In case of a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
- Visit Find Care on your Blue KC member portal at MyBlueKC.com to locate an in-network retail clinic near you.
- Available to Blue KC members in plans with exclusive access to Spira Care Centers. For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations, and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, see your insurance producer or write Blue KC.
