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​Respiratory Viruses​

Washing hands to prevent illness.

How to Stay Healthy

How do you catch respiratory viruses?

These viruses spread by:

  • Coughing 
  • Sneezing 
  • Close contact with someone who is sick 
  • Touching your eyes, nose or mouth without first washing your hands. This is important if you have touched contaminated items or surfaces.​

How to prevent respiratory virus infection?

People can take simple actions to prevent getting a virus or spreading it to others. These actions are even more important if you or your loved ones are at higher ris of becoming ill. Take the following actions to keep yourself healthy. 

  • Get the vaccine: There are vaccines available for the viruses most likely to cause serious illness: flu, RSV, and COVID-19. The best time to get a vaccine is before viruses spread during the fall and winter. Vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness. If you are higher risk or are in close contact with someone who is, you could consider getting vaccinated.  
    • For more informaton, visit the 2025–26 respiratory vaccine recommendations. 
    • Not sure where to get the vaccine? Go to MyTurn​ to find options.  
  • Stay home if you’re sick: Staying home when you’re sick slows the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and even the common cold. 
  • Wear a mask: Wear a quality mask, such as a N95 or KN95. Masks are especially helpful if you are already sick, or in a crowded space, or are indoors. 
  • Wash your hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  If you touch something contaminated and then touch your face before washing your hands, you could get infected.  
  • Cover your cough or sneeze: Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue. Then wash or sanitize your hands.  
  • Bring in fre​sh air​: If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows to bring in fresh outdoor air. This prevents virus particles from building up indoors​.

Are you already feeling sick?

Go to theI am feeling sick​ page to learn more about symptoms and treatment. Treatments work best when they are started ri​​ght after symptoms begin. ​

Are you at higher risk of severe respiratory illness?​​

Anyone can get sick from a respiratory virus. However, some people are more likely to become very ill when they get infected. A severe respiratory infection can lead to: 

  • Hospitalization 
  • Lifelong complications ​
  • Death  

Check the list below to see if you or your loved ones are considered higher risk. ​
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Those at higher risk for severe diseases, include, but are not limited to:

  • Older adults, especially those 65 and older
  • Infants, especially those who are less than 6 months, and young children (less than 5 years)
  • People with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with disabilities
  • People who are pregnant or recently pregnant
  • People who live in a skilled nursing facility and other long term care facilities ​
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