Respiratory viruses are responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year in the US. There are many common types of respiratory viruses in addition to COVID-19, including influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The best way to avoid getting sick with any of these – or more than one at once! – is to practice some core prevention strategies.
- Get your immunizations
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Take steps to improve air quality in your home
- If you do get sick, stay home to prevent spread
Recommendations are to stay home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better AND you are fever-free without use of fever reducing medications for 24 hours. Then take additional prevention steps for at least the next 5 days.
If you or someone in your household have risk factors for severe illness, contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment options to reduce the severity of your illness and the chances of passing the virus to someone else.
Taking steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you are sick is an important part of lowering risk of developing serious illness and helping to protect others.
Additional prevention strategies can be taken after you have been sick, or if you or a loved one is at high risk of developing serious illness from any of the respiratory viruses.
- Wear masks
- Practice social distancing
- Take a test when you feel symptoms
These additional precautions can be especially helpful when respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.
