Respiratory Viruses: What You Need to Know

Respiratory viruses, such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), circulate throughout the year in the US and New York. These viruses tend to be more active during the fall and winter months (October – May).

While many respiratory viruses cause mild cold or flu-like symptoms, they can be serious for certain groups of people, making awareness and prevention essential.

How Respiratory Viruses Spread

These illnesses can be transmitted through:

• Direct interactions: Sneezing, coughing, or close contact with an infected person.
• Indirect contact: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

For detailed information on each virus, visit: Understanding Respiratory Illnesses – RSV, Flu, and COVID-19.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Preventing respiratory infections requires simple but effective steps:

1. Get Vaccinated

Vaccines are available for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

2. Stay Home When Sick

If you feel unwell, avoid close contact with others. This helps slow the spread of flu, COVID-19, RSV, and even the common cold.

3. Get Tested

Symptomatic? Testing for COVID-19 and flu is widely available at pharmacies. If you test positive and are at higher risk, contact your healthcare provider about antiviral treatment options.

4. Wear a Mask

Masks reduce transmission, especially in crowded or indoor settings. Respirator masks (N95 or KN95) offer the best protection, but a surgical mask is better than none.

5. Wash Your Hands

Frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds or using a 60% alcohol-based sanitizer is highly effective.

6. Practice Good Hygiene

• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
• Dispose of tissues properly and clean your hands afterward.
• Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.

7. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Better airflow helps prevent viruses from accumulating indoors. You can improve indoor air quality by:

• Opening doors and windows
• Using fans to circulate fresh air
• Maintaining HVAC systems, including cleaning or replacing air filters
• Using portable air cleaning devices

Who is at Higher Risk?

Anyone can catch a respiratory virus, but certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness:

• Older adults
• Young children
• People with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, such as heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
• Pregnant individuals
• People with disabilities
• Individuals with conditions like obesity, dementia, cystic fibrosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, a history of stroke or tuberculosis, or those who smoke/have smoked

Taking precautions and staying informed can help protect you and your loved ones from respiratory viruses this season.

For residents seeking trusted care and guidance on preventing respiratory illnesses, MediServ Pharmacy, a dedicated local pharmacy in Bronx, is here to help. From seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines to reliable testing kits, our team provides personalized support to keep you and your family healthy year-round. Stop by or contact us today to learn more about our services and get the protection you need this season.