Important Influenza Update

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Recommendations to Alter Requirements of K.A.R. 28-1-6 for Influenza

KDHE strongly recommends yearly influenza vaccination per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.  Additionally, to address the conflicts between the current state regulation and evidence-based practices, KDHE recommends that persons who are symptomatic with influenza-like illness (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater, a cough and/or a sore throat without a known cause other than influenza) and have either a positive laboratory test for influenza or been treated with antiviral medication used to treat influenza is considered to have a case of influenza.  To control the spread of influenza the following isolation requirements should be followed:

• For each person hospitalized with a case, droplet precautions shall be followed for five days following onset of illness or until fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications, whichever is longer.
• For each person with a case shall remain in home isolation for five days following onset of illness or until fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications, whichever is longer, except when seeking medical care.

KDHE will be working on revisions to K.A.R. 28-1-6 and will address these conflicts in permanent regulations.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office via the Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

Click Here to Read the Full Letter​