Take Action!
How can you reduce your risk from respiratory viruses this holiday season? Here’s what to know:
- Flu, COVID-19 and RSV illnesses are at low levels right now overall in the United States, but we expect them to increase throughout the fall and winter.
- Individuals, families, healthcare providers and health departments can all take actions to help prevent serious respiratory illnesses.
- The most important action is getting the immunizations recommended for you.
- If you do get sick, these immunizations can make your illness less severe and can help you avoid hospitalization.
While respiratory virus activity is currently at low levels nationally with variability by state, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that it will change. Peaks of respiratory disease activity usually happen from about December to February. Several different respiratory viruses spread more during fall and winter, including those that cause flu, COVID-19 and RSV illness.
The holidays are coming and large gatherings, travel and more time indoors can mean more viruses spreading. Fortunately, we have tools to help us stay healthy so we can enjoy the time we spend with our families, friends and neighbors.
What You Can Do
Immunizations: Immunizations are the best tools we have for preventing serious illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Staying up to date on recommended immunizations is especially important for those at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. Make sure you know which immunizations are recommended for you and make a plan to get them. You can talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about immunizations.
Testing and Treatment: U.S. households are currently eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options if you get symptoms of a respiratory illness and are at higher risk of developing severe illness. Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and flu can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. COVID-19 and flu treatment should be started as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
Everyday Prevention: You also can protect yourself and others with everyday prevention action such as:
- Staying home and away from others when you are sick (including people you live with)
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Improving ventilation
- Washing hands often