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Respiratory Season

What is respiratory season?

Many respiratory viruses circulate in the fall and winter seasons causing illness of varying severity across the United States. Three common viruses include flu, COVID-19 and RSV. 

When is respiratory season?

The NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) defines respiratory season as October through May, but the NYSDOH may extend the surveillance season past May if virus activity remains high.

What to do if…

I’ve Had Close Contact with Flu, COVID-19 or RSV

Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.

You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)

When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.

  • Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
  • If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

    Respiratory Illness FAQ’s

    General Information

    What is influenza (flu)
    Flu – Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
    Read more
    What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    Covid – COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. If you’re interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist today to learn more.

    Read more
    What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

    RSV – Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. RSV vaccines are recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60 – 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV. There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.

    Read more

    Testing

    Where can I get tested in Lewis County?
    • Most retailers offer at home tests 
    • Contact your primary care physician 

    What to know about respiratory illnesses

    New York State Department of Health, “What to Know About Contagious Respiratory Illnesses” Understanding Respiratory Illnesses – RSV, Flu, and COVID-19 (ny.gov) December 11, 2024.