Colorado Springs Health Brief: RSV Trend, Food Support, and Fire-Weather Precautions

What residents are watching this week

Colorado Springs is juggling late-winter respiratory illness, everyday access-to-food needs, and fast-changing weather conditions that can affect breathing and safety. Here are three local developments to know, plus a few practical steps you can take today.

RSV: hospitalizations dip, but the season is not over

New state tracking highlighted by local TV reporting shows RSV hospitalizations have eased slightly compared with earlier February. Even with the dip, the dashboard trend suggests RSV is still causing more hospitalizations than COVID-19 and influenza combined in Colorado right now.

What to do: if you or your child has worsening trouble breathing, dehydration, persistent high fever, bluish lips, or symptoms that escalate quickly, call a clinician promptly or seek urgent care. For higher-risk adults (especially older adults and those with chronic heart or lung conditions) ask a primary care clinician about RSV prevention options and when to test for viral illness.

Food insecurity: community drives highlight ongoing health needs

A local food donation drive with Care and Share Food Bank is drawing attention to sustained demand for staple foods. Organizers say peanut butter and jelly are especially useful because they are shelf-stable and provide quick calories and protein for families under stress.

Food access is health care: inconsistent meals can worsen diabetes control, blood pressure, pregnancy outcomes, and mental health. If you need help, consider reaching out to a local food pantry, school resource office, or community nonprofit for same-week assistance.

Fire weather: red flag warnings and restrictions can affect breathing

Local reporting also flagged red flag fire warnings, strong winds, and Stage II fire restrictions in El Paso County. Even without an active wildfire nearby, windy, dry conditions can increase dust exposure and irritate asthma, COPD, and allergy symptoms.

What to do: keep rescue inhalers accessible if prescribed, limit outdoor exertion if you feel chest tightness or wheezing, and consider a well-fitting mask if wind and dust are triggering symptoms. If smoke does appear, close windows, use a clean HVAC filter if available, and check air quality updates before outdoor exercise.

Quick takeaways

RSV remains a major driver of hospitalizations, so do not ignore breathing changes.
Use the 24 to 48 hour window early in illness to ask about testing and treatment options.
Nutrition support and food pantries are legitimate health resources, especially for kids and seniors.
On red flag days, protect lungs from wind and dust and avoid anything that could spark a fire.

Sources

https://www.kktv.com/2026/02/19/colorado-state-dashboard-shows-rsv-hospitalizations-are-down-slightly-after-rise/
https://krdo.com/news/2026/02/13/hungry-families-counting-on-your-food-donation-as-spread-the-love-drive-ends-today/
https://gazette.com/2026/02/16/red-flag-fire-warnings-and-snow-in-the-forecast-for-colorado-springs/
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/viral-respiratory-diseases-report