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Respiratory Virus Guidance

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Respiratory Virus Guidance

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.


Please click here to view the CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance

There are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

  • Stay up-to-date with immunizations
  • Practice good handwashing
  • Take steps for cleaner air
  • When you have a respiratory infection, use precautions to prevent the spread and seek medical care for testing and/or treatment

Additional prevention steps you can take to further protect yourself and others:

  • wearing a mask
  • physical distancing
  • testing for respiratory viruses

Illnesses caused by respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV can make anyone sick. However, there are a range of risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of getting very sick (severe illness). Generally, people at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses are older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people. 

Please click here to view Special Considerations for People with Certain Risk Factors for Severe Illness

COVID-19 Vaccination

CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date.  It is especially important for those ages 65 and older, who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, and those who have never gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit CDC Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.

Data Resources

NYSDOH COVID-19 Data

  • Testing, cases and variants
  • Hospitalizations and fatalities
  • Vaccine data
  • Long term care facilities
  • Schools

CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker

NYSDOH Flu Tracker

CDC RSV Surveillance


Additional Resources

Healthcare Guidance

Affirmation of positive COVID-19 test

Schools PreK-12 & Childcare

NYSDOH COVID-19 Website

NYS Paid Family Leave COVID-19 FAQ

CDC: Types of COVID-19 Treatment

*If you have emergency warning signs for COVID-19, call 911 or go to the emergency department.  Emergency signs may include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, grey, blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds.