Amid a surge in COVID, flu, and RSV cases, hospitals in the Tri-State area are recommending that both patients and staff wear masks.

As flu, COVID, and RSV cases increase during the holiday season, hospitals in New York and New Jersey are urgently calling for everyone to wear masks. New York State has declared flu to be prevalent, mandating mask-wearing for healthcare workers, while RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey is similarly advising its staff to mask up.

In Valley Stream Pediatrics, 3-year-old Kylah received a flu shot, but Dr. Marc Lashley from Allied Physicians Group on Long Island expresses deep concern over the sharp decline in flu vaccination rates.

Recent data shows troubling vaccination statistics: in Nassau and Suffolk counties, only about 6% are vaccinated against COVID, compared to a 20% national average. The flu vaccination rate in these counties is below 22%, while the national rate exceeds 38%.

Dr. Sharon Nachman from Stony Brook Children's Hospital highlights the significant concern with low vaccination rates among young children, who often spread the flu to their families.

The drop in vaccination rates is attributed to vaccine hesitancy and fatigue post-pandemic, affecting not just COVID but other vaccinations as well.

Moreover, Long Island doctors have noted a surge in RSV cases, with children contracting the virus at a higher rate locally than nationally. Dr. Lashley estimates that 80% of current sick visits involve RSV. While there's no vaccine for school-aged children against RSV, an injectable antibody for infants offers immediate protection, reducing the risk of severe illness.

This situation is particularly pressing with the holiday travel season on the horizon, as Dr. Nachman warns that children will likely spread RSV to their relatives. The message from health experts is clear: even if you've delayed, it's not too late to get vaccinated or take preventive measures.