Rising Respiratory Diseases Prompt Calls for Caution from Healthcare Authorities
Robert Mayo, MD, serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Rochester Regional Health, overseeing the operations of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals. In recent weeks, these hospitals have seen a significant increase in the number of patients on isolation due to respiratory illnesses, such as flu, COVID, and RSV.
On November 22, Strong Memorial had 30 patients on isolation. By December 12, this number had more than doubled to 69. This rapid increase has led healthcare leaders to encourage the community to take precautions to help manage the demand for inpatient care.
In response, Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals have implemented more stringent masking requirements for both visitors and hospital employees. The hospitals strongly encourage visitors to wear masks, and employees are required to wear masks at all times.
Healthcare leaders are emphasising the importance of reducing demand for inpatient care to ensure that local hospitals can continue to provide essential services during this challenging time.
While Monroe County is experiencing a rise in cases of flu, RSV, and COVID, data from late August 2025 suggests that the increase is not as drastic as in other regions. Statewide and national reports indicate that flu and RSV cases remain low to steady, with the flu season officially ended in mid-May but surveillance ongoing. COVID-19 activity is noted to be increasing in many areas of the U.S., but no detailed hospitalization numbers specific to Monroe County were found in recent local or state releases.
To help manage symptoms of illness before they become severe, healthcare leaders advise staying informed about local respiratory virus activity through public health sources, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks if symptomatic or at high risk, considering vaccination, especially for flu and RSV where vaccines and prophylactic treatments are now available, isolating or limiting contact when ill to protect others, particularly high-risk populations, and seeking medical attention promptly.
If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, it is recommended to avoid visiting hospitals to reduce the chance of spreading infection. Instead, consider visiting a local urgent care centre, such as UR Medicine Urgent Care, which has many sites across the community and allows you to check the estimated wait time for each on their website.
Virtual Urgent Care is another option for meeting with a provider quickly, usually in less than 15 minutes, from a smartphone or computer. This service is available seven days a week, including holidays, and you don't have to be a UR Medicine patient to take advantage of it.
Your primary care provider is also a great resource for managing symptoms of illness. UR Medicine MyChart is a tool for communicating efficiently with your primary care team.
Michael Apostolakos, MD, serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals, Linda Clark, MD, MS, is the President and CEO of Jordan Health Center, and Michael Mendoza, MD, MPH, is the County Commissioner of Public Health. They all stress the importance of taking precautions to reduce the demand for inpatient care and protect the health of the community.
For the latest updates and resources, visit the Monroe County Public Health website or contact local health authorities directly. It is essential to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to help manage the current rise in respiratory viruses and protect the health of the community during this challenging time.
- Patient care remains a top priority for hospitals like Strong Memorial and Highland, implementing more stringent masking requirements to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID, and RSV.
- To help manage the demand for inpatient care, healthcare leaders emphasize the importance of taking precautions like staying informed about local respiratory virus activity, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, getting vaccinated, isolating when ill, and seeking medical attention promptly.
