Respiratory Illness

Many respiratory viruses, like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), circulate year-round in the US and New York, typically with more activity in fall and winter (October - May).Sick Woman

Respiratory viruses can cause cold or flu-like symptoms and can be more serious in some people.

These illnesses can spread through:

  • Direct interactions like sneezing or coughing.
  • Indirect contact, like touching contaminated objects.

For more specific information about each of these viruses, including how each virus presents, spreads, symptoms, and what to do following exposure, visit Understanding Respiratory Illnesses - RSV, Flu, and COVID-19.
How Can I Protect Myself and Others?

To minimize the risk of catching or transmitting these illnesses:

  • Get Vaccinated: Visit the Vaccines and Immunization page to learn about seasonal flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
  • Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick: This simple step can slow the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and even the common cold.
  • Get tested: Displaying symptoms? Test kits for COVID-19 and the flu are widely available at pharmacies. If positive and you are in a higher risk group, call your health care provider to see if antiviral treatment is recommended for you.
  • Wear a mask: Wear a mask in crowded places. For the best protection, opt for respirator masks like N95 or KN95. If you do not have those, use a surgical mask.
  • Wash your hands: Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a 60% alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Practice good hygiene: Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of an elbow or tissue. Dispose of tissues properly and clean your hands afterward. Clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • Improve air quality: Indoor air quality can play a key role in the transmission of airborne viruses. Good air flow helps stop viruses from building up and spreading. You can improve indoor air quality by:
    • Opening doors and windows
    • Using fans to bring in fresh air
    • Improving performance of mechanical ventilation (or HVAC) systems by performing regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters
    • Using portable air cleaning devices.

Who is at high risk?

Anyone can get a respiratory virus, but some people have a higher risk of getting very sick, including:

  • Older adults

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  • Younger children
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with disabilities
  • People who are pregnant
  • People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, obesity and overweight, liver disease, kidney disease, dementia, cystic fibrosis, cancer, blood disorders, HIV/AIDS, history of stroke, tuberculosis, and those who smoke or used to smoke.

Explore the Data

The Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH) respiratory data will be updated weekly. The data represents counts of persons with laboratory-confirmed illness (“cases”) that are reported to the county and state health departments. 

NCDOH does not report on hospitalized cases at this time. The NYS Respiratory Report and the NYS Flu Tracker includes local hospitalization trend data. 

As cases continue to rise this flu season, NCDOH strongly encourages everyone to receive their annual vaccine(s), stay home if they are sick, and consult their healthcare provider as appropriate.