Respiratory Virus Prevention
Respiratory viruses, like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) circulate year-round in the U.S. and California but are typically more active in fall and winter. This period of time is referred to as ācold and flu seasonā or ārespiratory virus season.ā
People can take simple actions to lower their chances of getting and spreading respiratory viruses. These precautions are especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness.
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Stay up to date on vaccines: Vaccines are the best way to protect against serious illness, including hospitalization and death. You can get flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations at the same time. Contact a health care provider or schedule your vaccine appointments at MyTurn.ca.gov. The best time to get immunize d is before viruses start to spread widely in the fall and winter. Vaccines are covered for people with Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Those having difficulty obtaining vaccines can contact their local health department for help finding a place to get vaccinated.
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Everyone 6 months+ should receive updated 2024/2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines. ā āāPeople 65+ and those who are immunocompromised should receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.āā
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RSV immunizations are available for:
- Infants younger than 8 months
- High-risk infants/toddlers 8 through 19 months
- People who are 32ā36 weeks pregnant
- All adults 75 and older
- Some high-risk adults 60ā74 years old
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Stay home if you're sick: Staying home when youāre sick slows the spread of flu, COVID-19, RSV and even the common cold.
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Test and treat: Test for COVID-19 and flu if you have symptoms (like fever, cold, cough, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell). If you test positive and are at higher risk for severe disease, contact your health care provider and ask about treatment. Treatments work best when started right after symptoms begin. Learn more about COVID-19 treatment . Learn more about flu treatments.
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Consider wearing a mask: Consider wearing a high-quality mask (N95, KN95, KF94) especially if you're sick and in crowded or indoor areas. For more information, visit When and Why to Wear a Mask.
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Wash your hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Cover your cough or sneeze: Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue, then wash or sanitize your hands.
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Ventilate indoor spaces: Good ventilation helps reduce the spread of viruses. If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows as much as possible to bring in fresh outdoor air. This can help keep virus particles from building up indoors.
Additional Resources:
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Local health jurisdictions (LHJs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) may co-brand materials created by CDPH (those in CDPH Office of Communications Toolkits) by adding their agency logo next to or near the CDPH logo. Be sure there is ample space between the two logos. Materials may not be altered or edited in any other way, including removal or adjustment of the CDPH logo.
Fact Sheetsā
Video
āāāāāProtect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses
āPosted to Facebook, December 2024
CDPH Director Dr. TomĆ”s AragĆ³nāÆreminds Californians to make sure they're up to date on vaccines. Updated 2024/2025 flu and COVID vaccines are available for everyone six months+. Older adults, pregnant people, infants and some toddlers should also get immunized against RSV.
Watch and share on Facebookā
Social Media
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General Respiratory Virus Prevention
Stay Home if Youāre Sick, and Test
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Suggested Messaging:
Cold and flu season is here. Help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses (like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV) by staying home and testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. If you test positive, ask your health care provider about prescription treatments. Learn more: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses
#SlowTheSpread
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Cover Your Cough or Sneeze
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Suggested Messaging:
Cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of viruses. Be sure to wash or sanitize hands and dispose of your tissue after. Get prevention tips: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses
#SlowTheSpread
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Wash Your Hands
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Suggested Messaging:
Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm waterāfor at least 20 seconds ā is an easy and great way to prevent getting sick and spreading germs. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Get prevention tips: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses
#SlowTheSpread
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Consider Masking
 
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Suggested Messaging:
Wearing a high-quality mask, like an N95, KN95, or KF94, protects you from respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Consider wearing a mask in indoor public places, especially if you are or around people at higher risk for severe disease.
Learn more about masking:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/When-and-Why-to-Wear-a-Mask.aspx
#SlowTheSpread
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Suggested Messaging:
Wearing a mask in indoor public places helps prevent spreading respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Masks can also offer protection from dangers like wildfire smoke and Valley fever. Choose a high-quality mask, like an N95, KN95, or KF94. Learn more about masking: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/When-and-Why-to-Wear-a-Mask.aspx
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Improve Indoor Air Quality
Reduce Your Risk While Traveling