Flu activity is rising in Kern County as respiratory illnesses continue to circulate during the winter season, according to the Kern County Department of Public Health.
Influenza (flu) test positivity has increased throughout December and is now approaching levels seen during the same time last year. Flu test positivity currently stands at 19 percent, up from 12 percent reported on Dec. 19, said Michelle Corson, media contact for Kern County Public Health. While activity remains slightly lower than last winter, health officials say the county is quickly nearing similar levels of transmission.
Data from the Kern County Department of Public Health’s respiratory virus dashboard, last updated Friday, January 2, 2026, shows influenza activity climbing steadily. The seven-day average flu test positivity rate reached 18.16 percent, reflecting a 3.8 percent increase and signaling growing community spread.
Additionally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, while still lower overall, is also trending upward. RSV test positivity rose to 1.86 percent, marking a nearly 29 percent increase. COVID-19 activity, by comparison, remains relatively low, with a seven-day test positivity rate of 0.82 percent, down 8.2 percent.
“Respiratory infections are a significant public health concern, especially during peak seasons. Among these, COVID-19, flu, and RSV are the most prevalent, sharing common symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue,” officials stated. “For those at high risk of severe illness, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions, staying informed and proactive is crucial.”
Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. Public health officials recommend staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and receiving an annual flu shot. While RSV infections are often mild, they can cause serious illness in infants and older adults, and vaccines are now available for people at higher risk.
Because symptoms can be similar across COVID-19, flu, and RSV, Public Health advises residents, particularly those at high risk, to seek testing promptly if they begin to feel sick. Identifying the specific virus can help guide treatment decisions and reduce the risk of spreading illness to others.
As flu activity continues to increase across Kern County, health officials encourage residents to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and seek medical care if symptoms worsen. Staying informed and proactive, they say, helps protect both individual health and the broader community.
