Cold, Flu, and RSV Guide

Flu season usually runs from October through May, with most cases occurring between December and February. The timing varies each year, and flu activity can remain high or rise again in March or April. Check the local flu tracker for activity in the Rochester region.

Flu, RSV, COVID-19, colds, and stomach bugs like norovirus are circulating most widely this season. Their symptoms often overlap, so testing may help you figure out what’s causing your illness and whether treatment could help.

Rest, drink fluids, and stay home while you’re sick. If you have flu-like symptoms, take an at-home flu or COVID-19 test and schedule a Virtual Urgent Care visit—our experts can help connect you to the right care you need for your symptoms. 

If you think you have the flu, contact your health care team early, especially if you’re pregnant or have a higher risk of complications. Prescription treatments like Tamiflu work best within the first 48 hours. They may still help after that, particularly if you’re at higher risk or very sick.
 
If you think you might have norovirus, be sure to rest, drink fluids, and avoid preparing food for others, and see a doctor if you can’t keep fluids down or symptoms are severe.  

A virtual visit can be a good starting point for mild symptoms, reviewing test results, or discussing treatment. Contact your primary care office or visit urgent care if your symptoms aren’t improving, are getting worse, or you need an in-person exam. 

Trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or difficulty waking need emergency care. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. If you’re unsure where to go, our symptom guide can help. 

Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Opening windows or using an air purifier can also help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses indoors. 

If you’re sick, stay home until you’re feeling better and have had no fever for at least 24 hours without medicine to bring it down. For the next five days, take extra steps to protect others, like wearing a mask. This is especially important around people who could get very sick. 

For stomach bugs like norovirus, wash with soap and water; hand sanitizer alone doesn’t work well against it. Avoid preparing food for others for at least 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhea stops. 

As soon as possible. It’s best to get your flu shot before October ends, but getting vaccinated at any point during flu season is still helpful since there is often a surge in the spring.

You have a few options to get your flu shot:

1. Talk to your primary care provider
2. Head to a URochester Medicine Pharmacy
3. Check local pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, or Wegmans

Yes, but the vaccine lowers risk and usually makes illness milder if you do get sick.

Yes, you can usually get these vaccines at the same visit if you need them. 

Not everyone needs an RSV vaccine, and you don’t need it every year. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which vaccines to get based on your age, health, and the shots you’ve already had.

You can get a flu shot any time during your pregnancy. September or October is usually the best time, but getting vaccinated later in the season can still help. 

Ask your prenatal care team about timing. Keep in mind, the nasal spray flu vaccine should not be used during pregnancy.