(WWLP) - According to recent reports, respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Massachusetts this winter. Local hospitals are seeing the numbers of respiratory illnesses caused by infections like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV go up. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the state is experiencing significant levels of seasonal flu and RSV activity at this time. Over 11, 700 emergency room visits in the state were attributed to respiratory illnesses the week of December 29th and January 4th. Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton is one hospital seeing an increase in cases, now that the holidays are over. "People are coming in with a lot of respiratory symptoms which is coughing, sneezing, congestion and fevers," said Vice President at Cooley DIckinson Hospital. Dr. Sunny Shukla. Baytstate Medical Center in Springfield also feeling the impact. "The amount of patients that are going to the emergency room to be seen for respiratory illnesses has decreased as much this week compared to the past couple of weeks.But we're still at a much higher rate than we were perhaps at the beginning of December," said Internal Medicine Physician for infectious diseases at Baystate Medical Center, Esteban DelPilar. Baystate seen more people coming in with cases of Covid-19 and influenza this past week. While respiratory viruses are increasing right now..there are ways to minimize your risk. Health experts suggest frequent hand washing, wear a mask, disinfect surfaces, and staying home when sick. Those most at risk are those with weakened immune systems. You can also prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and respiratory complications with vaccines. "People this season have not really been keen on getting the COVID and influenza vaccine. So it's important that even now you get the vaccine because we still have a few months of resources remaining," said Dr. Shukla. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults and infants, and influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone over 6 months old. If you have signs or symptoms of respiratory illness, experts say you should get tested to help protect those around you. Local News Headlines Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Massachusetts this winter Sarno, Puppolo push for bail reform to keep violent repeat offenders in jail Drugs, gun seized during Holyoke investigation Cold temperatures cause ice to form on rivers and ponds WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.