As we turn this week’s In Focus conversation to the increase in respiratory illnesses during the winter season, JoDee Kenney welcomed in Dr. Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, FPIDS, professor of Pediatrics, Public Health, and Preventive Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, and Hospital Epidemiologist, at Golisano Children's Hospital.

Dr. Shaw said with infants and children among the most susceptible to more serious respiratory illness, it’s important to begin vaccinating against flu and COVID-19 as young as 6 months. Other preventative measures, Dr. Shaw said, include proper hand washing and surface cleaning, especially at schools and daycare facilities.

Dr. Shaw also said holiday gatherings can often provide an avenue for respiratory illnesses to spread, and reminded people that just because you may be symptom free it does not mean you can’t transmit the flu, RSV or COVID-19 to others.

You can watch the full interview with Dr. Shaw above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.