This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.

Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.

Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.

If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.

Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.

Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.