What are respiratory viruses?
Seasonal flu, COVID-19, and RSV illnesses are each caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system, and they all cause similar symptoms, such as fever, congestion, cough, and fatigue. They are all spread primarily through airborne particles and share the same core prevention steps: wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, have good indoor ventilation, and get vaccinated.
Common respiratory viruses
- Flu*
- COVID-19*
- RSV*
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (common cold)
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)
*Vaccine available.
Symptoms
Respiratory viruses may cause both upper respiratory tract symptoms (the vocal cords and above) and lower respiratory tract symptoms (below the vocal cords). Some viruses also affect the nose, throat and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- Headache, muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing or chest pain), seek emergency medical care immediately.
COVID-19 | Seasonal Flu | RSV
*Dates & Week Numbers: Week 26 begins June 24, 2024.
*Dates & Week Numbers: Week 40 is the week ending Oct. 7, 2023 and Oct. 5, 2024. The CDC flu season runs from October through May.
Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is one of the most important ways to guard against severe illness, hospitalization, or death. The vaccines are different for each virus, and all are safe and effective. It is safe to get more than one vaccination at a time, for example, if you want to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination in the same visit.
Who can be vaccinated
Everyone age 6 months and older can get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19. The RSV vaccine is only recommended for pregnant parents and older adults. These individuals should talk to their healthcare provider about the RSV vaccine.
- Influenza (Flu): for ages 6 months and older
- COVID-19: for ages 6 months and older
- RSV: 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 (Pfizer's Abrysvo) given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.
Where to get vaccinated
Pharmacies
Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are available at most local pharmacies. Many also have the RSV vaccine.
Local pharmacies
Check the pharmacy's website, the store, or call about which vaccines are available, and for their appointment or walk-in hours.
Search Vaccines.gov by Zip code to find where to get vaccinated near you.
Immunization Clinics at TCWH
We provide vaccines through the NYS Vaccines for Children (VFC) or the NYS Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs. Please refer to the guidelines on our website to see if you are eligible to receive vaccines through these programs.
- Fridays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
- For appointments and information, call Community Health Services at 607-274-6604.
- Immunization records: You will need to provide a copy of your and/or your child's immunization record in advance of your appointment. Please also bring the records with you to your appointment.
Note: If you have a primary care provider or pediatrician, please contact them to make an appointment for immunizations. If you have insurance but no primary care provider we will help you connect with a health care provider. Call 607-274-6604.
There are other respiratory viral illnesses, including the common cold, that do not have a vaccine. Click here for more about these viruses
Practice good hygiene
Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitizing hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
Steps Individuals can take
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Learn and use proper handwashing technique.
- Teach children the correct way to wash their hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly.
Minimize contact with others
Stay home from work or school when you have obvious symptoms such as a fever, coughing and sneezing, or a sore throat. The CDC recommends that before you return to public places, you wait at least 24 hours until,
- after symptoms have improved.
- after your fever is gone without the used of fever-reducing medications, if you had a fever.
Then, when you go back to your normal activities, over the next 5 days take added precaution, when you will be around other people indoors. These include extra steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
Clean Indoor Air
Respiratory viruses spread in the air between people. Lower your risk for getting a respiratory illness by taking steps to make indoor air cleaner, especially in smaller rooms and work or play areas. These include bringing in more fresh outside air or purifying indoor air, or even gathering outdoors when appropriate and possible.
Steps Individuals can take
- Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible by opening doors and windows and/or using exhaust fans.
- If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC, a system with air ducts that go throughout the home) that has a filter, set the fan to the "on" position instead of "auto" when you have visitors and use pleated filters. Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner.
- Move activities outdoors, where airflow is best.
Steps Organizations can take
- Ensure existing HVAC systems are providing at least the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirement in accordance with ventilation design codes. Applicable codes are based on the year of building construction or latest renovation and intended building occupancy.
- Aim for 5 or more air changes per hour (ACH) of clean air. This can be achieved through any combination of central ventilation system, natural ventilation, or additional devices that provide equivalent ACH to your existing ventilation.
For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. Review the following resources from the CDC, or contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Respiratory illnesses with no vaccine
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (common cold)
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)
Other viral illnesses included in the respiratory illness category by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) include: Adenovirus, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (common cold), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease). There is no vaccine or treatment that can prevent infection by these four viruses. Visit About Respiratory Illnesses on the CDC website for more information.