{"id":12521,"date":"2026-01-12T17:09:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T22:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=12521"},"modified":"2026-03-27T10:41:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:41:02","slug":"flu-on-the-rise-in-kc-what-you-need-to-know-from-spira-cares-dr-darrin-davis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/healthier-living\/flu-on-the-rise-in-kc-what-you-need-to-know-from-spira-cares-dr-darrin-davis\/","title":{"rendered":"Flu on the rise in KC: What you need to know from Spira Care\u2019s Dr. Darrin Davis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a> are testing positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is a significant increase in cases compared to last year over the last few weeks,\u201d he said. \u201cThe risk of infection is much higher right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> data for the week ending December 27, 2025, doctors\u2019 visits for flu-like symptoms reached the highest level in more than 25 years, as shown on the CDC flu map<\/a>. For that same time period, Kansas City, MO Health Department<\/a> data showed influenza cases doubled compared to the previous week, marking the fourth-highest weekly total in 15 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople with the flu feel like they are getting hit by a truck,\u201d Dr. Davis said. \u201cThe first day is the worst. People are contagious about a day before symptoms start and for five to seven days after getting sick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, most of the flu cases are influenza A that belong to subclade K, which has earned the nickname \u201csuper flu.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips to avoid the flu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The flu shot is the No. 1 prevention tool, according to Dr. Davis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most health care insurance plans cover the annual flu vaccination<\/a> as preventive care. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) health plans cover the cost<\/a> of the flu vaccine when you get it from an in-network provider2<\/sup>. 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<\/sup>. Flu vaccination<\/a> is often available at no or low cost to people who do not have insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe flu shot is not perfect against this strain, but the pros are definitely there,\u201d he said. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the flu shot, Dr. Davis\u2019 top three measures to avoid the flu are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Practice \u201chand hygiene”, as he calls it. Wash your hands with soap and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Avoid spending time with people who are sick whenever possible.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI would tell patients that if they\u2019re sick with flu symptoms, stay home to decrease the risk of transmission,\u201d Dr. Davis said. \u201cDon\u2019t risk giving the flu to co-workers, friends and family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tips to treat the flu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you have a Blue KC plan with exclusive access to Spira Care, you\u2019ve got a friend to fight the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe want our Spira Care patients to call us first1 <\/sup>if they feel like they have the flu,\u201d said Dr. Davis. \u201cWe have dedicated registered nurses that will take their call and assess them appropriately. The big thing with Spira Care is the access. We\u2019re able to generally get patients in the day they call or the next day to determine treatment needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf anti-virals are not an option, it\u2019s about symptom management,\u201d said Dr. Davis. \u201cUse Tylenol or Motrin, when those medications are appropriate, along with a decongestant. Getting rest and treating the fever is primary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    People at higher risk of flu complications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Dr. Davis points to these populations who are at greater risk of severe complications if they get the flu:<\/p>\n\n\n\n