COVID-19 Updates, Precautions for Respiratory Illness Season
Published on October 30, 2025
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is sharing with the community updates and reminders for respiratory illness season. As we move into the winter months, head and chest infections become more common and can have serious impacts on many of us. TCWH is providing the latest information on how to protect yourself and your family, friends and co-workers.
SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, TESTING
Respiratory viruses, such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV, may cause both upper respiratory tract symptoms (the vocal cords and above) and lower respiratory tract symptoms (below the vocal cords). TCWH’s Medical Director Dr. William Klepack stated, “Respiratory viruses affect the nose, throat and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections such as pneumonia, or worse. In the more vulnerable members of our population, such as infants, those with pre-existing chronic health conditions, persons who are pregnant, or older adults, hospitalization and even death can occur. Last year was one of our worst seasons for children with influenza.”
Symptoms commonly include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- Headache, muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
If you develop symptoms, treatment options including antiviral prescriptions like Tamiflu or Paxlovid, can help reduce severity and length of illness if detected early enough. A healthcare provider will test you to determine which virus you have and provide instructions for recovery. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing or chest pain), seek emergency medical care immediately.
Free COVID-19 self-test kits are available, while supplies last, at TCWH’s offices at 55 Brown Road (northeast Ithaca) and 201 E. Green St. (downtown Ithaca).
To report self-tests, visit National Institute of Health’s (NIH) website: https://learn.makemytestcount.org/
VACCINES – The most effective prevention measure against illness.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently approved COVID-19 vaccine through a “vaccination by informed choice” standard, meaning that everyone ages 6 months and older can receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines can be taken at the same time as a flu shot and/or RSV.
Flu Vaccine is widely available at pharmacies and healthcare provider offices. Everyone ages 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine in the fall months to reduce severity of symptoms and limit spread.
RSV Vaccine is recommended for infants up to 11 months, those who are pregnant, adults ages 75+, and for adults ages 65+ who have pre-existing health conditions. Adults may require additional doses, depending on age and risk factors.
To obtain vaccines, check with your local pharmacy or talk to your healthcare provider. The local volunteer-run group Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS) continues to update their website with local vaccine availability. If you need assistance with finding or making a vaccination appointment, or if you need assistance setting up a primary healthcare provider or signing up for health insurance, dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667).
OTHER PREVENTION MEASURES
In addition to keeping your vaccinations up to date, it is very important to practice good hygiene during respiratory illness season. Do not sneeze or cough into the air. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your shirt sleeve or a tissue. If you use a tissue, remember to wash or sanitize hands after and often. Clean frequently touched surfaces (such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails) with disinfectant. Teach proper handwashing skills to children.
MASKS
You can prevent spread of infection and protect yourself from air-borne respiratory illnesses by using well-fitting face masks, such as KN95 or fitted N95 masks. If you are well, a mask can prevent you from inhaling respiratory virus particles. If you are sick, a mask limits the amount of virus you are exhaling into the air.
Dr. Klepack advises extra cautions while traveling and in gatherings for the holiday season: “Many infections are picked up in airports, bus or train terminals, and at large gatherings. A mask can prevent you from getting sick and spreading illness.”
Free KN95 and N95 (“painter’s mask style”) masks are available at TCWH’s office at 55 Brown Road (northeast Ithaca) upon request. KN95 masks for youth are also available, though supplies are limited.
REDUCE SPREAD
If you become sick with a respiratory illness, it is essential to protect others by minimizing contact. Stay home from work or school when you have symptoms such as a fever, coughing and sneezing, or a sore throat. The CDC recommends waiting at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications, if you had a fever, or until symptoms have improved.
When you go back to your normal activities, over the next 5 days take added precautions when you will be around other people indoors. These include extra steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, and physical distancing. This is especially important to protect people who are most at risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
Dr. Klepack adds, “If you know you have been exposed, avoid being around highly vulnerable people until you know if you are infected or not. If you know you were exposed to COVID-19, use a test kit 2 – 4 days after exposure. When it is not possible to avoid vulnerable people, use a well-fitting mask and practice good hand hygiene.”
TRACKING
TCWH maintains our own webpage which includes county-level, lab-confirmed case information, as reported to New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Our charts include a “Weekly New Positive Cases” of influenza, a COVID-19 chart that shows “New Weekly Positive PCR & Antigen Tests,” and a monthly view of RSV cases.
Please note that these charts only give a snapshot of total cases numbers, as positive cases that are self-reported or that go untested are not included. Case numbers are likely higher than what is recorded. For additional information that includes self-reported tests and wastewater data, visit NIH’s “Make My Test Count” website. NYSDOH is also tracking county wastewater data and analyzing trends.
To learn more about the respiratory illness season, please visit our webpage: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Whole-Health/Community-Health-Services/Respiratory-Viruses
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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