The threat of COVID, the flu, and Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) Virus, or RSV, have the governor and state health officials concerned about the strain on the healthcare system. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Governor Kathy Hochul says as winter approaches, all three so far are on the rise, and she and state health officials want to keep all three of them down…
New York Presbyterian Pediatrics Department Chairperson, Dr. Sallie Permar, says it’s rare for RSV to circulate at the same time as the typical winter flu…
New York State Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, says it’s important to do the simple things, like washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes…
Dr. Bassett says it is also important to have the most up-to-date vaccinations against the flu and COVID, and recommends wearing masks to help keep the spread of those viruses down. If you do test positive for COVID and have questions, the state has a free hotline you can call, it’s 1-888-TREAT-NY.