Influenza (also called the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death.

Influenza is different from a cold. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

• fever
• headache
• tiredness (can be extreme)
• dry cough
• sore throat
• nasal congestion
• body aches

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

Stay up to date with any possible vaccines

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory infections.

RSV circulates in a seasonal manner, usually peaking during late fall and early winter. Respiratory viruses, including RSV, typically circulate during the cold months of the year when conditions allow these viruses to live longer and transmit more easily, and when people tend to gather indoors more often. Please be cautious during the upcoming holiday gatherings.

Patients with RSV infection typically present with fever, cough, wheezing and runny nose.

Each year in the United States, RSV leads to hospitalizations and deaths. RSV is also a major cause of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in older adults (≥ 65 years old).

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.