SLO County debuts updated virus-tracking website for COVID-19, flu and RSV
San Luis Obispo County residents have a new way to track the spread of respiratory viruses across the region.
On Wednesday, the county Public Health Department announced the launch of its redesigned Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard, an online, publicly accessible tracker for cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 in San Luis Obispo County, according to a news release from the county.
While a version of the dashboard had existed previously, the updated website now includes more charts that allow viewers to toggle between the three types of viral data, allowing for easier comparison between infection trends.
The new version of the dashboard introduces a combined wastewater chart, which allows viewers to switch between regional datasets based on viral loads detected in municipal wastewater systems, the county said.
Users can see specific data for six local communities: Atascadero, Cambria, Los Osos, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and the South County.
The update also allows viewers to see annual vaccination counts for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines, according to the release.
That data shows the notable differences. While flu vaccination rates have remained relatively stable over the last nine years, COVID vaccinization rates have dropped substantially since the pandemic, from a high of 143,157 in 2021-22 to 28,358 in 2025-26, though this year’s data is not yet complete.
“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.” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in the release. “Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and hospitalization.”
Borenstein said it is vitally important to protect infants against RSV, with prevention efforts starting during pregnancy.
Pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy can receive an RSV vaccine in the fall and pass protection to their newborn, she said in the release.
Infants who do not receive protection during pregnancy and are born during RSV season between October and March can receive their immunization from their pediatrician, Borenstein said.
According to the release, the updated website is debuting just ahead of the peak months for the transmission of COVID-19, flu and RSV.
“We know how important it is for community members to stay informed about respiratory illness trends during the winter months,” Borenstein said. “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.”
