MAYVILLE, NY – Chautauqua County officials are urging older adults and caregivers to take extra precautions as respiratory illnesses remain highly active early in 2026. Preventive measures such as staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing frequent handwashing, ensuring good indoor air circulation, and staying home when sick remain the best ways to reduce the risk of illness.
To help avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, older adults and caregivers should contact their healthcare provider for guidance if symptoms appear, unless symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
“The flu is more than a seasonal inconvenience – it can pose serious risks, especially for older adults,” said Dana Corwin, Director, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. “Being aware of symptoms, monitoring your health, and reporting concerns early are key steps to preventing complications and protecting our community.”
In addition to influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia are circulating locally. While flu activity is among the highest in recent years, preventive measures help reduce the spread of all respiratory illnesses.
Local Respiratory Illness Data (Jan. 1–14, 2026)
- Flu A – 159
- Flu B – 4
- COVID – 42
- RSV – 11
The County’s communicable disease dashboard is monitored regularly and provides ongoing surveillance data and trends for respiratory illnesses.
“With the recent increase in flu cases in our community, it’s important to remember that vaccination, good hygiene, and staying home when sick remain our strongest defenses against the flu and other respiratory illnesses,” said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County Public Health Director. “Residents who are feeling ill are encouraged to contact their trusted health care provider for guidance rather than going directly to the emergency room, helping to keep emergency services available for those who need them most.”
Monitoring Health at Home
Older adults and caregivers can take an active role in managing mild to moderate illness at home by monitoring key health indicators:
- Temperature – track fever patterns
- Blood pressure – important for cardiovascular stability
- Heart rate – may increase with fever, dehydration, or respiratory distress
- Oxygen levels (SpO₂) – using a pulse oximeter to detect low blood oxygen
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen or new warning signs appear, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistently low oxygen levels.
Free Wellness Kits for Older Adults and Caregivers
The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services is offering free wellness kits to help older adults and caregivers monitor these key health measures. Each kit includes a thermometer, a wrist blood pressure cuff, and a pulse oximeter.
Kits are available at all three of Office for Aging Services locations, on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Individuals receiving a kit will be asked to provide contact information and will have the opportunity to enroll in the County’s automated messaging system for programs, community opportunities, resources, updates, and notifications.
We encourage residents who are experiencing mild to moderate respiratory illness to actively monitor key health indicators at home, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions or are at higher risk for complications. If you’re ill, contact your healthcare provider for guidance before visiting the ER unless symptoms are severe. Health officials emphasize that early recognition of symptom changes and timely communication with healthcare providers can help prevent complications and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.
Link to Chautauqua County’s communicable disease dashboard: chautauquacountyny.gov/public-health/communicable-disease-dashboard.
