Cold, Flu, COVID or RSV in Buffalo, NY

The McKinley Monument beneath the tall Art Deco facade of Buffalo City Hall.

Video visits for patients who are in New York at the time of the visit. Read the full guide: Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID vs. RSV: How Can You Tell the Difference?.

For general educational purposes only, not a substitute for specific medical advice. Consult with a licensed provider before implementing any adjustments to your treatment regimen.

Respiratory season in Buffalo and Erie County

Erie County reported 261 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in one week, a 158% increase from the previous week; 255 were influenza A and 6 were influenza B. These counts include only lab results reported to the state; rapid tests done in doctors' offices do not have to be reported, so the real number of illnesses is higher: 261 lab-confirmed flu cases (+158% week over week); 255 influenza A, 6 influenza B (Week ending October 31, 2026) ^[1]
In the same week, Erie County reported 35 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases (down 36% from the prior week) and 4 lab-confirmed RSV cases (no change). No pediatric deaths from flu, COVID-19 or RSV had been reported to Erie County so far this season: 35 COVID-19 cases; 4 RSV cases; 0 pediatric deaths (Week ending October 31, 2026) ^[1]
At about the same point last season, flu was barely circulating in Erie County: the county reported 14 lab-confirmed flu cases in the week ending November 1, 2025, and 20 the following week: 14 cases (week ending Nov 1, 2025); 20 cases (week ending Nov 8, 2025) (Week ending November 8, 2025 report) ^[2]
Last winter's flu wave hit Erie County hard: the county reported 1,719 lab-confirmed flu cases in a single week in late December 2025, 1,652 of them influenza A, alongside 193 COVID-19 cases and 65 RSV cases that same week: 1,719 flu cases in one week (1,652 influenza A); 193 COVID-19; 65 RSV (Week ending December 27, 2025) ^[3]
Statewide, New York reported 7,696 lab-confirmed flu cases (up 77%) and 668 patients hospitalized with lab-confirmed flu (up 105%) in one week, along with 419 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 36 with RSV: 7,696 flu cases; 668 flu hospitalizations; 419 COVID-19 hospitalizations; 36 RSV hospitalizations (Week ending October 31, 2026) ^[1]
During the 2025-2026 respiratory season, nearly 27,000 New Yorkers were hospitalized with influenza and nearly 600 died; more than 13,000 were hospitalized with COVID-19 and nearly 500 died. The Commissioner separately cited about 14,000 RSV hospitalizations statewide last year: ~27,000 flu hospitalizations, ~600 flu deaths; >13,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations, ~500 COVID-19 deaths; ~14,000 RSV hospitalizations ^[4]
When it declared flu prevalent, NYSDOH said state data show the flu season starting earlier than usual and vaccination rates (based on doses reported to the state) running lower than in previous years; among doses reported last year, fewer than half of adults got a flu shot: Fewer than half of New York adults received a flu shot last season (reported doses) (October 26, 2026) ^[5]
Early in the 2025-26 season, Erie County flu vaccination coverage was about half of adults 75 and older, just over a third of adults 65-74, and about a quarter of children 6 months to 4 years: ~50% of adults 75+; >33% of adults 65-74; ~25% of children 6 months-4 years (November 17, 2025 (early 2025-26 season)) ^[6]

Where to get help in and around Buffalo

These local and state programs are free or low-cost places to start. Details can change, so check the program’s site before you go.

Erie County Department of Health, Jesse Nash Health Center Immunization Clinic: County immunization clinic at 608 William St., Buffalo, NY 14206 (on NFTA Route #1 William). Appointments required, no walk-ins. Takes part in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs, which supply the vaccine at no charge (there is an administration fee). Accepts most insurance. Phone: (716) 858-7687. Website ^[7]
New York State Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program: NYSDOH says uninsured adults, or adults whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, can get flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots free of charge through participating community health centers and local health departments. Website ^[4]
Erie County Weekly Respiratory Surveillance Reports: Weekly county counts of lab-confirmed flu, COVID-19 and RSV, published October through May, so residents can see which virus is rising locally. Website ^[8]
NYSDOH Seasonal Respiratory Virus Dashboard: New statewide dashboard (launched October 26, 2026) showing lab-confirmed cases and hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV, viewable by geographic location and over time. Website ^[5]
Erie County Department of Health: Health Insurance & Low Cost Healthcare Services: County directory pointing to NY State of Health (the official marketplace), federally qualified health centers in Erie County that serve patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay, Medicaid, and a Primary Care in Erie County page. ECDOH's flu guidance says to call a provider early about antivirals and to use this page if you do not have one. Phone: (716) 858-7690 (ECDOH Administrative Office). Website ^[9]

Rules and coverage worth knowing

On October 26, 2026, the State Health Commissioner declared influenza prevalent in New York. While the declaration is in effect, 10 NYCRR 2.59 requires hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies and other regulated facilities to make sure staff not vaccinated against flu this season wear a surgical or procedure mask in areas where patients or residents are typically present. ^[10]
In New York, the seasonal flu vaccine is available without a prescription at participating pharmacies to people aged 2 and older; children 6 months and older can get it at a health care provider's office. ^[5]
A statewide standing order lets New York pharmacists give the RSV vaccine to eligible people, which NYSDOH lists as adults 75 and older, people 60-75 with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant people. ^[5]
NYSDOH notes that under the Affordable Care Act, most private plans, Medicare and Medicaid cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines without cost-sharing at an in-network provider or pharmacy, and that New York endorses the 2026-27 respiratory immunization recommendations of the AAP, AAFP, ACOG and IDSA. Check with your plan and pharmacy to confirm coverage. ^[4]

How a video visit with Charles Wade, FNP-BC can help

If you’re sick at home in Buffalo, a video visit can sort out the likely cause, whether a test makes sense and whether an antiviral is worth considering. Antivirals for flu and COVID-19 work best when started early, so it helps to reach out in the first day or two of symptoms.

Video has limits. A clinician can’t listen to your lungs or swab your nose through a screen, so you may be pointed to a local lab, an X-ray or an in-person exam. Wade’s Care First sees patients ages 5 and older; babies and toddlers with breathing symptoms should see their pediatrician or be seen in person. A visit does not guarantee a specific medication.

Lab work and imaging are ordered at a facility near you, and prescriptions go to the Buffalo-area pharmacy you choose. See labs, imaging and pharmacies near Buffalo. Insurance accepted in New York: BCBS / Anthem PPO, UnitedHealthcare PPO, UMR (PPO), Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, Humana PPO, Ambetter PPO, Fidelis Care / Ambetter (NY Marketplace), TRICARE. Self-pay visits are also available.

When to get care right away

For trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or a child who is struggling to breathe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, such as Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo General Medical Center, or Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo for children.

Keep reading

Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID vs. RSV: How Can You Tell the Difference?: the full patient guide.
Telehealth care in Buffalo: local labs, imaging, pharmacies and visit planning.
Urgent Care at Wade’s Care First
Telehealth care across New York

Sources

Local figures are the most recent published by the listed agencies as of November 12, 2026. This page does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Local questions

Buffalo respiratory illness questions.

Is flu season already here in Buffalo?

Yes. New York declared flu prevalent statewide on October 26, 2026, and Erie County reported 261 lab-confirmed flu cases in the week ending October 31, 2026, mostly influenza A. At the same point last year the county had only 14 cases.

Which virus is going around in Erie County right now: flu, COVID or RSV?

As of the week ending October 31, 2026, flu was rising fastest (261 cases), COVID-19 was lower and falling (35 cases), and RSV was still low (4 cases). Erie County posts updated counts every week from October through May.

Where can I get a flu shot in Buffalo if I don't have a regular doctor?

In New York, participating pharmacies give flu shots without a prescription to anyone 2 and older. The Erie County Department of Health immunization clinic at 608 William St. also gives vaccines by appointment at (716) 858-7687.

What if I'm uninsured and need a flu, COVID or RSV vaccine?

NYSDOH says uninsured adults, or adults whose plan doesn't cover the updated vaccine, can get these shots free through participating health centers and local health departments in the state Vaccines for Adults program. The county clinic takes part in this program but may charge an administration fee.

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Cold, flu, COVID or RSV in Buffalo: local data, vaccines and care