Preventing Respiratory Viruses

• Stay up-to-date on recommended immunizations, including:
  • The current COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine.
  • The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine if 75 and older, 60-74 with increased risk of getting very sick from RSV, or pregnant.
  • The RSV monoclonal antibody if infants younger than 8 months are born during - or entering - their first RSV season.
• Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit. For people who prefer to get their recommended vaccines at different visits, there is no specific amount of time after the previous vaccine to get the next one.
• People may also be due for other vaccines, like those to prevent pneumococcal disease, shingles, or whooping cough. Ask a doctor which vaccines are recommended.

• Practice good hygiene by:
  • Covering coughs and sneezes,
  • Washing or sanitizing hands often, and
  • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

• Viral particles in the air spread easier indoors than outdoors.
• Take steps for cleaner air, such as opening windows or using air filters, or gathering outdoors.

• Stay home and away from others if sick from a respiratory virus. These symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
  • Seek healthcare right away for testing and/or treatment to lower risk of getting very sick.

• Wearing a mask to help reduce the amount of germs breathed in.
  • When worn by a person who is sick, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others.
• Putting physical distance from others who are sick, if possible. 
• Testing for respiratory viruses can help people decide what to do next, like getting treatment.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).