San Luis Obispo, CA, January 7, 2026 – Residents of San Luis Obispo county now have a clearer picture of respiratory virus activity thanks to a redesigned, interactive data dashboard launched by the County Public Health Department. The new tool tracks COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, offering a single source for understanding local trends.
Respiratory Virus Data
Table of Contents
The updated dashboard provides a user-amiable way to monitor local trends for COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
- The dashboard features interactive charts allowing users to compare data for each virus.
- A new wastewater chart provides an early look at community-level virus activity across the county.
- An annual vaccination chart displays local vaccination counts for COVID-19 and flu.
- The tool emphasizes the importance of vaccination and preventative measures,especially for infants and older adults.
Understanding how respiratory viruses are spreading is now easier than ever for community members, health professionals, and organizations. “We know how important it is for community members to stay informed about respiratory illness trends during the winter months,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “These new dashboard tools make it easier than ever for our community to see what’s happening locally and take the steps they need to stay healthy during respiratory virus season.”
Interactive Charts and Data Comparison
The redesigned dashboard’s most notable feature is its interactive charts.Viewers can easily toggle between COVID-19,flu,and RSV data,allowing for a direct comparison of how each virus is trending locally.This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about preventative measures like vaccination,testing,and masking when appropriate.
Early Detection with Wastewater Analysis
Beyond individual case data, the dashboard introduces a combined wastewater chart. This feature allows users to switch between regions within San Luis Obispo County where samples are collected, providing an early indication of virus activity at the community level. This proactive approach can definitely help identify potential outbreaks before they escalate.
Tracking Vaccination Trends
A newly added vaccination chart displays annual vaccination counts for both COVID-19 and flu. This provides residents with insight into local vaccination trends and encourages continued participation in immunization efforts. “While we typically encourage vaccination leading up to the winter months, it’s not too late to get protection against COVID-19, flu, or even RSV for older adults,” Dr. Borenstein emphasized. “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and hospitalization.”
Protecting Infants from RSV
Dr. Borenstein also highlighted the importance of protecting infants against RSV,noting that preventative efforts often begin during pregnancy.”OBGYNs may work with their pregnant patients to provide protection for their babies’ first RSV season,” she said. Pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy may receive an RSV vaccine in the fall to pass protection to their newborn. If that protection isn’t provided during pregnancy, babies born during RSV season-typically October through March-can receive immunization from their pediatrician to help protect them during their first RSV season.
The enhanced dashboard reflects the department’s commitment to openness, accessibility, and data-driven public health communication. By integrating multiple respiratory illnesses into one easy-to-navigate platform, the tool provides a more complete picture of community health throughout the season.
Community members are encouraged to visit the dashboard regularly to stay up to date on current trends and use the insights to make informed choices-such as getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and seeking testing and treatment when symptoms arise.
