Photo courtesy Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office Gov. Kathy Hochul discusses the state’s efforts to raise awareness of and protect New Yorkers against respiratory virus infections that are spreading the fall and expected to continue through the winter.

Hospitals in parts of the U.S. are seeing a surge in respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause severe breathing problems for babies, as well as an increase in the flu and coronavirus in both adults and children.

The issue is happening locally as well.

“We are seeing a lot of respiratory viruses — most notably influenza, RSV, and yes, COVID-19 — everywhere, including in Chautauqua County. Long-term care facilities and child care centers are seeing a great deal of illness, directly impacting hospital capacity,” said county Public Health Director Christine Schuyler. “This year’s respiratory infection season has started earlier than usual and with a vengeance. The symptoms of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 can be very similar and can range from mild to terribly severe.”

Earlier this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Department of Health is making an effort to raise awareness for respiratory virus infections that are spreading this fall and expected to continue through the winter. Health officials are urging the public to take steps geared toward stopping the spread of infectious disease as cases of seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are rising with more people staying indoors due to colder weather.

“We are not backing down in our fight against deadly respiratory illnesses — we have been preparing for the winter, and we are ready,” Hochul said during a video conference. “New York state is taking action to provide guidance to hospitals and local health departments to ensure that we keep New Yorkers safe and healthy. Our best shot at protecting ourselves and fellow New Yorkers from respiratory illnesses continues to be getting vaccinated, staying up to date on boosters, and practicing good hygiene.”

Schuyler agreed.

“The best protection against severe influenza and COVID-19 is vaccination,” she said. “Everyone 6 months of age and older are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine. Everyone age 5 and older is eligible for the COVID vaccine and it’s imperative to keep up to date with the bivalent vaccine formulation which protects against the omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2.”

Schuyler noted that there is no vaccine at this time against RSV.

“All of these viruses prey on the very young, the very old, and those who are immunocompromised, including pregnant women and infants 6 months of age and younger,” she said.

To protect yourself and loved ones against RSV, Schuyler noted that people need to be vigilant when it comes to good hygiene.

Along with being vaccinated, those steps include:

¯ Wash hands frequently with soap and water,

¯ Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available,

¯ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hand) when coughing or sneezing,

¯ Stay home when you don’t feel well,

¯ Wear a mask when in close contact with others and you have respiratory symptoms.

The Associated Press reports that last week, more than 7,000 tests came back positive for RSV nationwide. That’s more than in previous surges.