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Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV can spread through sneezing, coughing, and talking and can make you feel tired, feverish, and congested. They are more common in fall and winter when people spend more time indoors and close together.

Most people recover at home, but these viruses can sometimes lead to serious illness, especially for older adults, babies, pregnant people, and those with certain health conditions.

There are ways to lower your chances of getting sick and protect the people around you if you do.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

There are steps you can take to prevent getting and spreading respiratory illnesses.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccines help your immune system prevent serious illness and reduce your risk of hospitalization or death.

  • Everyone 6 months and older should get both a COVID-19 and flu vaccine, even if they have been vaccinated before. It is especially important for people at increased risk of severe illness, such as older adults, babies, and people with certain underlying medical conditions, to get vaccinated.
  • People ages 75 and older, people ages 50 and older with certain underlying medical conditions, and people who are pregnant should get an RSV vaccine if they have not received one before. If the parent who gave birth was not vaccinated against RSV during the current pregnancy, the baby should get a monoclonal antibody medicine soon after birth to protect them during their first RSV season.

Talk to your provider if you have questions about vaccination.


Find a Vaccine Near You

Stay Home When You Are Sick

To prevent spreading the infection and making others sick, stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home from day care and school.

  • Take steps to protect your household members and others:
    • Separate from other people to the extent possible and wearing a mask when you are unable to do so and if you need to leave home, such as to go to the doctor. Household members can also where a mask to protect themselves.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, and wash hands often.
    • Improve ventilation by opening windows and using a portable air cleaner.
  • Get tested for COVID-19 and flu, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness. Talk to your provider about treatment options if you test positive.

Cover Your Coughs And Sneezes

Respiratory illnesses can spread through the air when people cough or sneeze. To help prevent spreading the virus to others, cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue, rather than your hands.

Wear a Mask

If you are or were recently sick, wear a mask when you are around others. Consider wearing a mask for added protection in crowded indoor spaces.

  • Choose a well-fitting, high-quality mask, such as a KN95, KF94 or N95, for the best protection.

Wash Hands, Disinfect Surfaces, and Improve Air Flow

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and counter tops, especially if you or someone else in your household is sick.
  • Improve airflow indoors by opening windows and using an air purifier or portable air cleaner.

Respiratory Illness Data

Respiratory viruses circulate throughout the season. You can learn more about current trends on the Respiratory Illness Data Pages.

Additional Resources

More Information