BROWN COUNTY — Across Minnesota hospitalizations for respiratory illness are up, but locally things are calm — at least for now.

Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz said several respiratory conditions are going around across the state, including COVID, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These illnesses are likely widespread.

Brown County is seeing a spike in respiratory illnesses, but few hospitalizations. The bulk of Minnesota’s hospitalizations are located in the metro area, but Moritz warned Brown County is not exempt from this illness.

COVID remains a threat in Brown County. Moritz confirmed there were six Brown County residents hospitalized with COVID in November.

Influenza has also started to spike early. Usually, the state sees a spike in flu cases during the winter, but typically it hits in late December or January. Moritz said the most recent data shows a significant increase in the flu the week of Nov. 12.

She said this was the largest influenza spike in the last few years. The state saw fewer flu cases during the height of the COVID pandemic, but numbers are rebounding.

Moritz most of the extreme flu cases are located in the Twin Cities area. Statewide, there have been 243 hospitalizations for the flu. Of those hospitalizations, only two have been reported in South Central Minnesota.

“The metro is having most of the illness,” Moritz said “but I expect that to change.”

The wave of illness hitting the metro area will likely hit south central Minnesota as well. It is common for these illnesses to cycle through the state.

Mortiz confirmed that local schools are reporting an increase in respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illness covers a variety of conditions including COVID, influenza and RSV. Brown County historically does see RSV cases in the winter.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes, mild cold-like symptoms. Most people recover from it in a week or two, but RSV can be more serious for infants and older adults. RSV symptoms vary from person to person, but sore throat and aches are common. Other symptoms are a cough, fever and swelling.

Moritz said RSV is currently spread statewide. In Brown County, public health is seeing an increase in respiratory illness, but few are needing hospitalization.

The best way to avoid illness is vaccination. There are currently vaccines available for COVID and influenza. Virus spread can be reduced by washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when sick.

Moritz warned that RSV is an airborne virus and spreads fast. It can survive on surfaces. Washing surfaces is recommended to prevent RSV spread.

Masks are also effective in reducing the spread of all three diseases respiratory diseases.

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday approaching, the chance of disease spread increases. Public Health is warning against attending holiday events if you are sick or have symptoms. These diseases can spread quickly.