Protect yourself from surging viruses

It could be a difficult winter.

Already, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has spread across the country, causing breathing trouble in young children and older adults alike.

Add the coming flu season and the threat of COVID-19's new variants, and the resulting mix is a recipe for alarm. Part of the problem is that public officials, the medical community, employers, and educators are not sure what we're up against. It's too early to know what flu season will look like. And with many people now testing for COVID-19 at home, case numbers are no longer a reliable measure.

But the warning signs are there. Emergency rooms have seen significant increases in children with RSV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that flu season has started unusually early, with hospitalizations and outpatient visits rising considerably.

COVID-related hospitalizations are increasing, too, from about 350 on Long Island in mid-September to around 500 in late October. And experts expect COVID to worsen in the coming weeks and months, especially as newer subvariants that might evade immunities and treatments — like BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 — infiltrate the state.

The confluence of these three viruses should worry everyone. Children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised are at particular risk. But the possibility that our hospitals once again could be overrun means that anyone needing health care could be impacted. Dr. Bruce Farber, Northwell Health's chief public health and epidemiology officer, noted that multiple viruses could strain hospital resources particularly because each requires isolation — and most facilities lack enough private rooms or isolated beds to adequately separate patients.

Farber's warnings regarding COVID are worth attention. "Don't be surprised," Farber told the editorial board. "There's going to be a huge surge this winter. I mean huge."

But Long Islanders can take action now. The easiest and most important steps: Get the flu vaccine and the newest COVID-19 bivalent booster.

Let's be clear: Neither shot will eliminate your chances of getting the flu or COVID-19. But the immunizations are key to preventing serious illness, hospitalization, or death. And beyond protecting yourself, you're protecting others, especially those who are immunocompromised, those who medically cannot be vaccinated, and those who might need the limited hospital beds for other reasons.

The importance of vaccination used to be a given, an incontrovertible fact. But the extensive spread of misinformation and social media echo chambers that ignore science have made it much harder for physicians and public health experts to convey their message. That makes this season's virus trifecta even more worrisome.

Each virus on its own can be deadly and dangerous. Together, they're a vicious opponent. But we have the weapons to fight two of them.

Schedule a flu shot and COVID booster. That's the way to win the public health battle ahead.