Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, Flu, and RSV can affect people year-round.

This page shares simple information and trusted links to help keep you and your family healthy.

Respiratory illnesses are infections that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some are mild, like the common cold, while others can be more serious. Many respiratory illnesses spread more easily in the fall and winter, but they can occur at any time of year.
This page shares easy-to-understand information about common respiratory illnesses, how they spread, symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself and others. It also includes links to trusted sources for the most up-to-date information.

Close contact with someone who is sick
Coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing
Touching surfaces with germs and then touching your face

If symptoms are severe, get worse, or you are at higher risk for complications, contact a healthcare provider.

Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath
Feeling very tired
Body aches or headaches

Staying home when you are sick
Covering coughs and sneezes
Washing your hands often
Keeping up to date on recommended vaccines
Taking extra precautions if you or those around you are at higher risk

Simple prevention steps make a big difference: Respiratory Viruses

Testing can help identify some respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 or flu. Treatments may include:
• Rest and fluids
• Over-the-counter medicines to reduce symptoms
• Prescription medications for some illnesses and people at higher risk. These must be started within the first 24-48 hours of symptoms to be most effective.

A healthcare provider can help decide what care is best for you. Staying home when sick and practicing good hygiene can help prevent spreading germs to others.

For the most current and reliable information, visit:
• Respiratory illnesses Respiratory Viruses

• Covid COVID-19 | Let’s Get Real
• Flu Flu (Influenza) | Let’s Get Real

• RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) | Let’s Get Real

Common Respiratory Illnesses

Several viruses and bacteria can cause respiratory illness. The most common include:

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that continues to circulate in our communities. Most people now have some protection from vaccines or past infection, which helps reduce the risk of severe illness. Guidance now focuses on staying home when sick and protecting those at higher risk.
Learn more: COVID-19 | Let’s Get Real

Flu (Influenza)

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Flu symptoms can vary based on the type of flu virus and genetic changes to the virus, even within the same flu season. Some people, including older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are more likely to get very sick from the flu. Flu vaccines are updated each year and are the best way to prevent flu.
Learn more: Flu (Influenza) | Let’s Get Real

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is a common virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. It can be serious for infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Safe and effective vaccines and preventive treatments are now available for some groups.
Learn more: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) | Let’s Get Real

Colds and Other Respiratory Viruses

Many different viruses can cause respiratory illnesses, including the common cold. These illnesses are very common and usually cause mild symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, or congestion. However, some respiratory viruses can cause more serious illness in young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

Tracking Respiratory Illness Activity

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) collects, compiles, and analyzes information on New York State respiratory activity year-round and produces a weekly report during the respiratory season (October through the following May). Current data from the NYSDOH: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/