As the crisp air of fall settles over Southeast Wisconsin, so does the season of sniffles, coughs and fevers.
Cold and flu viruses circulate more frequently during the fall and winter months, making this an important time to focus on healthy habits that can help protect you, your family and those around you. At Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center (KCHC), we’re here to help patients throughout Kenosha, Racine, Silver Lake and surrounding communities stay healthy and prepared.
La temporada de resfriados y gripe en cifras
Influenza continues to cause significant illness across the United States each year. According to the Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), the 2025–2026 flu season resulted in at least 32 million illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths nationwide.
The common cold is even more frequent. According to the CDC, adults average two to three colds each year, while children often experience more. Colds are also one of the most frequent reasons for missed school and work.
While colds and influenza are caused by different viruses, both can spread quickly through households, schools, workplaces and community settings, making prevention especially important as we head into the fall and winter months.
What to Know About the 2026–2027 Flu Season
La CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
For the 2026–2027 flu season, all U.S. flu vaccines are trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three different influenza viruses. According to the CDC’s 2026–2027 flu season guidance, all three virus components of this season’s vaccine were updated compared with the 2025–2026 vaccine, including a change designed to protect against the influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus that spread widely during the previous flu season.
Annual flu vaccination remains one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications.
Flu Vaccines Available at Pillar Health & KCHC
Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center offer Vaccines for Children (VFC) and private flu vaccines by appointment to new and established patients at each of our four clinic locations offering Primary Care and Family Medical Services.
Protect Yourself & Our Community This Flu Season
Cold and flu season is part of life in Wisconsin, but simple preventive measures can make a difference. Practicing good hygiene, staying home when you’re sick and staying current with recommended vaccinations can help protect your health and the health of those around you.
Ready to schedule your 2026–2027 flu vaccine?
Pillar Health and KCHC offer VFC and private flu vaccines by appointment to new and established patients at our four locations offering Primary Care and Family Medical Services in Kenosha, Silver Lake and Racine.
Call 262-656-0044 to schedule an appointment today.
Mejore su higiene
Small habits can make a big difference in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces such as phones, keyboards, countertops and doorknobs.
- Avoid close contact with others when you are sick.
These everyday practices can help reduce the spread of germs in homes, workplaces, schools and throughout our Southeast Wisconsin communities.
Know the “Fever-Free” Countdown
If you have a respiratory illness, stay home and away from others until your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
Returning to your normal activities too soon may increase the risk of spreading illness to coworkers, classmates, patients, friends and family members.
Take Extra Precautions for Five Days
Even after you begin feeling better and return to normal activities, taking additional precautions for the next five days can help protect others.
Consider:
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Wearing a well-fitted mask when appropriate
- Improving ventilation and bringing in fresh air
- Keeping some distance from others, particularly those at higher risk for severe illness
- Testing for respiratory viruses when appropriate
Too Sick to Go to Work or School? Stay Home.
Giving your body time to recover isn’t just important for you. Staying home when you’re sick can help prevent spreading illness to coworkers, classmates, patients and others in the community.
Hidratación y descanso: lo básico que importa
It may sound simple, but staying hydrated, eating balanced meals and getting quality sleep are important parts of supporting your overall health.
If you become sick, give your body the time and rest it needs to recover.
