If you’ve been on the subway or walking down Pitkin Avenue lately, you’ve probably heard it: the sound of half the neighborhood coughing. It’s early January, and in Brooklyn, that means we are right in the thick of respiratory virus season.

At Broadway Pharmacy, we’re seeing more neighbors coming in for cough medicine and fever relief than we have all year. But this season is a bit tricky because the "Triple Threat" Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all circulating at the same time.

Here is the ground-level update on what’s happening in our community and how to tell which bug you might have caught.

The Current Trend in Brooklyn

According to the latest NYC health data for January 2026, Influenza A is currently the dominant virus hitting our borough. Unlike the slow build-up of a common cold, this year's flu is hitting people "like a ton of bricks," with sudden high fevers, intense body aches, and exhaustion that makes it hard to even get out of bed.

While RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is also around, it’s mostly impacting our youngest neighbors and our seniors. For most healthy adults, RSV feels like a bad cold, but for those with asthma or diabetes, which we see a lot of here in Brownsville, it can lead to wheezing and trouble breathing.

How to Tell the Difference?

Since the symptoms overlap, it can be hard to know what you have without a test. Here’s a quick guide:

• The Flu: Hits fast. You feel fine at 10:00 AM and feel miserable by 2:00 PM. High fever and muscle aches are the big giveaways.

• RSV: Usually starts with a runny nose and a "barking" or wheezing cough. If you hear a whistling sound when you breathe, it might be RSV.

• The Common Cold: Stays mostly in the nose and throat. You might be sniffly and tired, but you usually don't have the "bone-deep" aches of the flu.

Staying Protected on Pitkin Avenue

It’s not too late to get protected. Even if you’ve waited until now, the flu season in NYC often lasts well into the spring.

1. Flu Shots are still available: We have standard and high-dose (for seniors) flu vaccines right here at 1538 Pitkin Ave.

2. RSV Vaccines for Seniors: If you are over 60, there is now an RSV vaccine that can prevent the most serious lung complications.

3. The "20-Minute" Rule: If you’re feeling sick, don't wait. Most antiviral treatments (like Tamiflu) only work if you start them within the first 48 hours of feeling symptoms.

Questions from the Neighborhood

Do I need an appointment for a flu shot at Broadway Pharmacy?

No. We know you’re busy. You can walk right into our shop Monday through Saturday. Please bring your ID and, if applicable, your insurance card. If you don't have insurance, we can talk about low-cost options to keep you safe.

Can I get the Flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to get both at once. Many people prefer to get them together so they only have one "sore arm day" instead of two.

My child has a runny nose and a cough. Should I be worried about RSV?

In most kids, it’s just a cold. But in Brooklyn, where many homes have older heaters that dry out the air, coughs can sound worse than they are. Keep them hydrated. However, if you see their ribs "pulling in" when they breathe or if they have a very high fever that won't go down with Tylenol, call your pediatrician or visit the ER immediately.

How much does the flu shot cost if I don't have insurance?

We try to keep our community services as affordable as possible. While prices can vary based on the specific vaccine type, we work with several programs to ensure cost isn't the reason you get sick. Come talk to us at the counter.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you need a refill on your maintenance meds or just some advice on which honey-lemon tea is best for your throat, your local pharmacists at Broadway Pharmacy are here. Stop by and see us, let's keep Brooklyn healthy this winter.