Wichita health watch: flu surge, wildfire smoke, and hospital safety

Wichita is juggling a tough mix of respiratory illness, smoky skies and hospital safety concerns as February winds down. Here is what local reporting from Feb. 17–19 is signaling, plus practical steps for families.

Flu keeps pressure on schools and pharmacies

Wichita-area pharmacists told KWCH they are still seeing a steady stream of people seeking help for fever, body aches, congestion and cough. With absenteeism high in parts of Kansas, some districts have temporarily closed, and local pharmacies report heavy demand for symptom relief and late-season flu shots.

If you are older, pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic heart or lung disease, call your clinician early when flu symptoms start. Antiviral treatment works best when started quickly. For most otherwise-healthy adults, rest, fluids and fever control are the mainstays, but watch for dehydration, chest pain, or worsening shortness of breath.

Wildfire smoke and air quality: small particles, real symptoms

Kansas health officials say wildland fire smoke can raise particulate pollution and ozone, which may trigger burning eyes, runny nose, cough and flare-ups of asthma, COPD and heart disease. People in Wichita also reported the smell of smoke and occasional ash during recent fire activity.

On hazy days, check current conditions before outdoor exercise, keep windows closed when smoke is heavier, and run a high-efficiency HVAC filter or a portable HEPA air cleaner if you have one. If you need to be outside for work or errands, consider a well-fitted respirator-style mask and take breaks indoors.

Nurses call for safer hospitals

Wichita nurses demonstrated outside a local hospital this week, asking for stronger protections against workplace violence. Their requests include visitor screening and weapons detection, with the goal of reducing assaults and disruptions during emergencies.

For patients and families, this is also a care issue. If you are headed to the ER or visiting a loved one, use staffed entrances when possible and let staff know right away if you feel unsafe or see escalating behavior in waiting areas.

What you can do now

• Make a plan for fever and dehydration: fluids, a thermometer and age-appropriate fever reducers.
• Know your red flags: trouble breathing, bluish lips, confusion, severe weakness, or persistent high fever.
• For smoke: move workouts indoors and keep rescue inhalers accessible if you have asthma.

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