MADISON, Wis. — As fall respiratory virus season approaches, Wisconsin health officials are urging residents to get recommended vaccines before flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus activity rises. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says flu and RSV activity is currently low. But those viruses have historically increased during fall and winter, the department said. Last season, nearly 11,000 hospitalizations in Wisconsin were attributed to influenza, COVID-19 and RSV combined, said Dr. Ryan Westergaard of the state health department. He described patients becoming severely ill, struggling to breathe and needing oxygen and other medical care. Doctors recommend updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. RSV vaccination is recommended for older adults and pregnant women, according to the health experts cited by the department. The early-season recommendations come as families, schools and health care providers prepare for the months when respiratory viruses typically spread more widely.