Connecticut hospitals are seeing a wave of people, especially children, with coughs and congestion, but they don't have COVID-19, instead it's a different virus called RSV.

Most children get respiratory syncytial virus when they are two or three, but this year, hospitals are seeing a wave of cases before winter hits.

Yale New Haven Health says they are seeing about double the typical cases for this time of year.

Doctors at St. Vincent's Medical Center say that RSV presents a more serious risk to infants and children with asthma or lung disease or older people with health issues.

"Because of masks, people haven't had the virus, children haven't had the virus. And so their bodies aren't protected against it, where they would have otherwise. So we're seeing a larger group of children who are seeing it for the first time," said Dr. Steven Valassis, chair of Emergency Medicine.

The state does not keep numbers for RSV. Doctors say since it can be dangerous for infants, you may want to limits your baby's exposure to visitors or how close they get to others.

Doctors recommend the following tips to avoid RSV:
-wash hands frequently
-avoid exposure
-wash toys often
-clean surfaces
-don't share drinking glasses
-don't smoke
-mask when appropriate
-keep up with vaccinations
-eat healthy and exercie