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New Yorkers should mask up as RSV cases spike, health officials say
By
Liam Quigley
Published Dec 27, 2024
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Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
By
Liam Quigley
Published Dec 27, 2024
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If you’re feeling under the weather this holiday season, you’re not alone.
The number of New Yorkers infected with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has jumped since last month, according to the New York City health department. The virus can cause mild, cold-like symptoms, but some people can become seriously ill. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, chills and a loss of appetite.
Nearly 5,000 cases of RSV were reported to city health authorities in the week ending Dec. 14, health officials said. That number has risen sharply since the beginning of November.
Flu cases have also jumped in December, though not at the rate seen last winter, when the health department received more than 10,000 positive influenza test results.
Differences in severity can vary season by season based on a number of factors, including whether people seek care for their symptoms, according to the agency.
New Yorkers can prevent transmission of RSV by covering their coughs and sneezes with their arms or with tissues, wearing masks, washing their hands often and staying home when sick, health officials said.
The virus spreads through droplets from infected people when they sneeze or cough. It can also travel after drying on bedsheets or other objects, and can remain infectious on contaminated surfaces for several hours, according to the state health department. Kissing an infected person can also spread the virus, officials said.
There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, but there are vaccines available for adults who are 60 or older, as well as pregnant people, infants and some children.
While RSV infections usually don't result in severe illness, infants and older adults are at greater risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
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Health and Science
Liam Quigley
Liam Quigley is a reporter covering parks & sanitation for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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