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KY3 Report: Southwest Missouri Faces 'Triple Threat' of COVID, Flu, and RSV

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ri-faces-triple-threat-of-covid-flu-and-rsv.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 14:16 GMT by KY3
      Locale: Missouri, UNITED STATES

Navigating New Year's Health Goals: A Summary of KY3's "What's Going Around" Report

The beginning of a new year is traditionally a time for reflection and setting goals, and health consistently ranks high on that list. KY3’s January 7th, 2026, report, "What’s Going Around: Finding Success with Health Goals in the New Year," dives into the common respiratory illnesses circulating in Southwest Missouri, alongside practical advice from healthcare professionals on how to successfully achieve those health resolutions. The article, featuring interviews with CoxHealth’s Dr. Shelly Gardner, provides a multi-faceted view, addressing both immediate illness trends and long-term health strategy.

Current Illness Landscape: A Triple Threat

The report paints a picture of a busy season for viruses. Currently, Southwest Missouri is experiencing a simultaneous surge in three primary respiratory illnesses: COVID-19, influenza (the flu), and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Dr. Gardner emphasizes that this “triple threat” is putting a strain on local healthcare resources and impacting a broad range of ages. While symptoms overlap – fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue – the severity and risk levels differ.

COVID-19 remains a concern, with updated boosters available to combat newer variants. The article links to the CDC website ([ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html ]) for more information on vaccination and current recommendations. Dr. Gardner points out that even mild cases can contribute to wider spread and impact vulnerable populations.

Influenza cases are significantly higher than typical for this time of year, indicating a particularly potent strain is circulating. The importance of annual flu shots is reiterated, although the report acknowledges the vaccine’s effectiveness can vary depending on strain matching.

RSV, while often mild in adults and older children, poses a serious threat to infants and young children. The article highlights the recent approval of two RSV vaccines for adults 60 and over and a preventative antibody treatment for infants, representing significant advancements in protecting vulnerable groups. Resources about RSV are linked to the CDC ([ https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html ]).

Beyond Illness: Setting Achievable Health Goals

Shifting focus from reacting to illness to proactively improving health, the KY3 report stresses the importance of realistic goal setting. Dr. Gardner discourages the all-too-common "crash diet" or overly ambitious exercise plans that often lead to burnout and abandonment of goals. Instead, she advocates for a SMART approach: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Specificity: Instead of “lose weight,” aim for “walk for 30 minutes, three times a week.”
• Measurability: Track progress, whether it’s weight lost, distance walked, or water consumed.
• Achievability: Start small. Don’t try to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight.
• Relevance: Ensure the goal aligns with your overall values and priorities.
• Time-Bound: Set a realistic deadline for achieving the goal.

The article also emphasizes the power of incremental changes. Small, consistent steps – like adding a piece of fruit to your breakfast, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or swapping sugary drinks for water – can accumulate over time and create lasting positive change.

The Importance of Support and Self-Compassion

Successfully adopting healthier habits is not solely about willpower. The report underscores the vital role of social support. Having a friend, family member, or even a community group to share goals and provide encouragement can significantly increase the likelihood of success.

Furthermore, Dr. Gardner stresses the importance of self-compassion. Setbacks are inevitable. Instead of viewing a slip-up as a failure, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move forward. Perfection is not the goal; progress is. The article subtly encourages embracing a growth mindset, focusing on the journey and the lessons learned rather than solely on the outcome.

Mental Health as a Cornerstone of Wellbeing

The KY3 report doesn’t solely focus on physical health. It subtly integrates mental wellbeing as an essential component of overall health. The stresses of daily life, coupled with the pressure to achieve goals, can take a toll on mental health. Dr. Gardner recommends prioritizing self-care activities, such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy. The article doesn't directly link to mental health resources, but implicitly acknowledges its importance alongside physical wellness.

In conclusion, KY3’s "What's Going Around" report provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the current health landscape in Southwest Missouri, blending information about circulating illnesses with practical guidance for achieving sustainable health goals. It emphasizes the importance of prevention, realistic goal setting, social support, and self-compassion—a holistic approach to wellbeing that goes beyond simply addressing illness and promotes a healthier, happier new year. The linked CDC resources provide valuable additional information for readers seeking to protect themselves and their families.