Skip Navigation LinksRespiratory-Virus-Prevention

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Respiratory Virus Prevention

Respiratory viruses, like influenza (flu), COVID-19, a​​nd respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), circulate year-round in the U.S. and California—and are typically more active in fall and winter. This period of time is referred to as ā€œcold and flu seasonā€ or ā€œvirus season.ā€

CDPH encourages people to 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.

  • ​​Stay Up to Date on Vaccines. Vaccines are the best defense against severe illness and death—and you can get all at the same time. Visit MyTurn to schedule your vaccines or contact your health care provider.​

    • ​​Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older and have been updated to protect against new variants.

    • ​​RSV immunizations are now availa​ble for infants and young children, pregnant people and adults 60 years and older. Learn more about RSV immunizations.

  • S​tay Home if You’re Sick: Staying home when you’re sick​ slows the spread of flu, COVID-19, RSV and even the common cold.

  • Test and Treat: Test for COVID-19 and flu if you have symptoms. If you test positive, contact your health care provider and ask about prescription treatments. Act fast, most of these medications must be taken within the first 5 days of symptoms. Learn more about COVID-19 treatments.

  • Consider Wearing a Mask: Wearing a mask can slow the spread of respiratory viruses. If you or your family member are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask, especially in public indoor or crowded spaces.  For more information, visit When and Why to Wear a Mask​.

  • Wash Your Hands: Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water—for at least 20 seconds—is an easy and effective way to stay healthy and slow the spread of germs. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  • 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.

Lea​​rn more about respiratory virus prevention.​

Additional R​​esour​ces:

CDPH Material Co-brand Disclaimer 
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​.​​

Videos

California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan Shares Tips for Staying Healthy this Fall & Winter

 
Don't Let COVID-19 and Flu get you: College Student Edition​
​
 

Fact Sheet​

​Virus Tips Flyer

6 Tips for Staying Healthy this Virus Seas​on (PDF)
English​, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese Simplified​, Chinese Traditional, Farsi Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Punjabi, Swahili, Tagalog​​ and Vietnamese​.​

​Social Media

Share the following images and messages on social media. Click on each image to enlarge, then right click and ā€œsave as.ā€ā€‹

​​General Respiratory Virus Prevention

6 tips to stay healthy this cold & flu season
​Suggested Messaging:
Respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV spread more easily in the fall and winter. Avoid getting sick this cold and flu season. Do your part to keep yourself and your community healthy.

Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread.
more time having family fun, less time having family sickness
More time with family less time with flu and colds
Catch more time with family, not fllu and colds
​Suggested Messaging:
Protect your family from catching respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV by following these top 6 tips:
  • Stay up to date on your flu, COVID-19 & RSV vaccines. 
  • Stay home and test if you’re sick. 
  • Seek prescription treatments from a health care provider if you test positive for flu or COVID-19. 
  • Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces. 
  • Wash your hands frequently. 
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. ​
Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread.​
You don't have time to get sick
​Suggested Messaging:
Don’t let flu, COVID-19 and RSV slow you down.
  • Stay up to date on vaccines.
  • Stay home and test if you’re sick. 
  • Seek prescription treatments if you test positive for flu or COVID-19. 
  • Consider masking indoors.
  • Wash your hands and cover your cough.​
Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread.​​
Don't let Flu, RSV, or COVID-19 happen to you.
​Suggested Messaging:
Don’t be this guy. Don’t let flu, COVID-19 and RSV happen to you!
  • Stay up to date on vaccines.
  • Stay home and test if you’re sick. 
  • Seek prescription treatments if you test positive for flu or COVID-19. 
  • Consider masking indoors.
  • Wash your hands and cover your cough.​
​Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread.​
Protect your loved ones this cold and flu season
protect your community from respiratory viruses this season

​Suggested Messaging:
Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from respiratory infections, especially flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These include: 
  • Older adults 
  • Young children 
  • People who are pregnant 
  • People with weaker immune systems 
  • ​People with certain disabilities or underlying health conditions 
Protect your community by taking extra precautions, like wearing a mask, around those at higher risk. Make sure you also know how to seek free prescription medications that treat COVID-19 and flu. 

Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread.​

Stay Home if You’re Sick, and Test

Feeling sick? Stay home and call a health care provider
Sore throat? Stay home and test
Congestion or Runny Nose? Stay home & test
Have a cough? Stay home and test
Fever or chills? Stay home and test
New loss of taste or smell? Stay home & test
​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 and flu if you have symptoms. ​If you test positive, contact your health care provider right away and ask about prescription treatments. Act fast, most of these medications must be taken within the first 5 days of symptoms. Learn more: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested. #SlowTheSpread

Cover Y​​our Cough or Sneeze

Keep your germs to yourself! Cover your cough or sneeze
​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.​​

Wash Your Hands​​

Keep them clean! Wash your hands
​Suggested Messaging:
Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water—for at least 20 seconds — 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.​

Consider Masking​​

Consider masking to reduce your respiratory virus risk​
Add a layer of protection. Consider masking in transit centersSkip to main content​Consider masking in indoor public places
​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.​
Skip to main content

​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. ā€‹

Improve Indoor Air Quality​

Improve indoor air quality to reduce respiratory viruses
​Suggested messaging:
Reduce respiratory viruses indoors by opening windows and doors when possible, using fans to bring fresh air inside, keeping heating and air systems on, or using portable air filters. Learn more about reducing virus risk indoors: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Indoor-Air-Quality-Ventilation-Tips.aspx​​  #SlowTheSpread.​​​

Open windows and doors to reduce respiratory viruses indoors
​Suggested messaging:
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air inside and prevent viruses from building up. Learn more about reducing virus risk indoors: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Indoor-Air-Quality-Ventilation-Tips.aspx  #SlowTheSpread. 
Reduce respiratory viruses indoors replace old air filters
​Suggested messaging:
Reduce respiratory viruses (like COVID-19, flu, and RSV) by replacing dirty air filters in your heating and air system. Learn more about reducing virus risk indoors: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Indoor-Air-Quality-Ventilation-Tips.aspx #SlowTheSpread.​

Reduce Your Risk While Trav​​eling

Traveling? Reduce your respiratory virus risk
Catch flights not viruses
Catch flights not viruses

​Suggested messaging:
Going on a trip? Reduce your risk of catching respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Be sure you’re up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccines, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces like airports and planes, and wash your hands frequently. Don’t travel, and stay away from others, if you’re sick.

Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccine. Learn more about respiratory virus prevention: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread.​

​
​
​​​​

​

​

​Spanish Social Media​​

​​General Respiratory Virus Prevention

6 consejos para mantenerte saludable en esta temporada de resfriados y gripe
​Suggested Messaging:
Los virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VSR se propagan mƔs fƔcilmente en los meses de otoƱo e invierno. Evita enfermarte esta temporada de resfriados y gripe. Haz tu parte para mantenerte saludable a ti y a tu comunidad.
Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses para obtener mĆ”s información.  #ReduceLaPropagación
Skip to main content
More time with family less time with flu and colds
Catch more time with family, not fllu and colds
​Suggested Messaging:
Protege a tu familia de contraer virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VSR siguiendo estos 6 consejos principales: 

  • Mantente al dĆ­a con tus vacunas contra la gripe, COVID-19 y VSR. 
  • QuĆ©date en casa y hazte la prueba si estĆ”s enfermo. 
  • Busca tratamiento mĆ©dico si la prueba de gripe o COVID-19 da positivo.  
  • Considera usar una mascarilla en lugares cerrados llenos de gente. 
  • LĆ”vate las manos con frecuencia 
  • Tapate la boca y la nariz al toser y estornudar 

Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación 
You don't have time to get sick
​Suggested Messaging:
No dejes que la gripe, COVID-19 y RSV te detengan. 
  • Mantente al dĆ­a con las vacunas.  
  • QuĆ©date en casa y hazte la prueba si estĆ”s enfermo.  
  • Busca tratamiento si la prueba de gripe o COVID-19 da positivo.   
  • Considera usar una mascarilla en interiores.  
  • LĆ”vate las manos y tĆ”pate la boca al toser. 
Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses para obtener mĆ”s información. 
#ReduceLaPropagación ā€‹ā€‹
Don't let Flu, RSV, or COVID-19 happen to you.
​Suggested Messaging:
 No seas este hombre. Ā”No dejes que te pegue la gripe, el COVID-19 o el VSR!
  • Mantente al dĆ­a con las vacunas.  
  • QuĆ©date en casa y hazte la prueba si estĆ”s enfermo.  
  • Busca tratamientos si la prueba de gripe o COVID-19 da positivo.  
  • Considera usar una mascarilla en interiores.  
  • LĆ”vate las manos y tĆ”pate la boca al toser. 
Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación.​
Skip to main contentProtect your community from respiratory viruses this season

​Suggested Messaging:
Ciertas personas corren mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente a causa de infecciones respiratorias, especialmente la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VSR. Estos incluyen: 
  • Adultos mayores 
  • NiƱos pequeƱos 
  • Personas embarazadas 
  • Personas con sistemas inmunológicos mĆ”s dĆ©biles 
  • Personas con ciertas discapacidades o condiciones de salud subyacentes 
Protege a tu comunidad tomando precauciones adicionales, como usar una mascarilla, alrededor de las personas que corren mayor riesgo.
Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación.​

Stay Home if You’re Sick, and Test

Feeling sick? Stay home and call a health care provider
Sore throat? Stay home and test
Congestion or Runny Nose? Stay home & test
Have a cough? Stay home and test
Fever or chills? Stay home and test
New loss of taste or smell? Stay home & test
​Suggested Messaging:
La temporada de resfriados y gripe estĆ” aquĆ­. Ayuda a prevenir la propagación de virus respiratorios (como COVID-19, gripe y VSR) quedĆ”ndote en casa y haciĆ©ndote pruebas de COVID-19 y de gripe si tienes sĆ­ntomas. Si el resultado da positivo, comunĆ­cate con tu proveedor de atención mĆ©dica de inmediato y pregĆŗntale acerca de los medicamentos, ya que funcionan mejor cuando se inician inmediatamente despuĆ©s de que comienzan los sĆ­ntomas. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s información:  https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested. #ReduceLaPropagación

Cover Y​​our Cough or Sneeze

Keep your germs to yourself! Cover your cough or sneeze
​Suggested Messaging:
Tose o estornude en el codo, el brazo o en un paƱuelo desechable para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de virus. AsegĆŗrate de lavarte o desinfectarte las manos y desechar tu paƱuelo despuĆ©s de usarlo. ObtĆ©n consejos de prevención: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación.​​

Wash Your Hands​​

Keep them clean! Wash your hands
​Suggested Messaging:
LĆ”vate las manos con frecuencia, con jabón y agua tibia, durante al menos 20 segundos, es una manera fĆ”cil de prevenir enfermarte y propagar gĆ©rmenes. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, usa desinfectantes para manos con al menos un 60% de alcohol. ObtĆ©n consejos de prevención: go.cdph.c​a.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación.​

Consider Masking​

Considera el uso de mascarillas para reducir el riesgo de virus respiratorios​
Add a layer of protection. Consider masking in transit centersSkip to main content​Consider masking in indoor public places

​Suggested Messaging:
Usar una mascarilla de alta calidad, como una N95, KN95 o KF94, te protege de virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VSR. Considera usar una mascarilla en lugares pĆŗblicos cerrados, especialmente si estĆ”s cerca de personas con mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s información sobre el uso de mascarillas: 
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/When-and-Why-to-Wear-a-Mask.aspx​ 
#ReduceLaPropagación.​
​My mask protects you & your mask proctects me​
​Suggested Messaging:

El uso de una mascarilla en lugares pĆŗblicos cerrados ayuda a preven​ir la transmisión de los virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VRS. Las mascarillas tambiĆ©n pueden ofrecer protección contra peligros como el humo de los incendios forestales y la fiebre del valle. Elige una mascarilla de alta calidad, como la N95, KN95 o KF94. Para obtener mĆ”s información sobre el uso de mascarillas: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/When-and-Why-to-Wear-a-Mask.aspx.   

Improve Indoor Air Quality​

Consider masking in indoor public places
​Suggested messaging:
Reduce los virus respiratorios en interiores abriendo ventanas y puertas cuando sea posible, usando ventiladores para introducir aire fresco, manteniendo encendidos los sistemas de calefacción y aire, o usando filtros de aire portĆ”tiles. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s información sobre cómo reducir el riesgo de virus en interiores: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Indoor-Air-Quality-Ventilation-Tips.aspx​​  #ReduceLaPropagación.​​​

Open windows and doors to reduce respiratory viruses indoors
​Suggested messaging:
Abre ventanas y puertas para permitir que entre el aire fresco y evitar que los virus se acumulen. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s información sobre cómo reducir el riesgo de virus en interiores: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Indoor-Air-Quality-Ventilation-Tips.aspx  #ReduceLaPropagación. 
Reduce respiratory viruses indoors. Replace old air filters
​Suggested messaging:
Reduce los virus respiratorios (como COVID-19, gripe y VSR) reemplazando los filtros de aire sucios de tu sistema de calefacción y aire. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s información sobre cómo reducir el riesgo de virus en interiores: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Indoor-Air-Quality-Ventilation-Tips.aspx #ReduceLaPropagación.​

Reduce Your Risk While Trav​​eling

Traveling? Reduce your respiratory virus risk
Catch flights, not viruses
Catch flights not viruses
​Suggested messaging:
ĀæTe vas de viaje? Reduce el riesgo de contraer virus respiratorios como COVID-19, gripe y VSR. AsegĆŗrate de estar al dĆ­a con tus vacunas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe, considera usar una mascarilla en lugares cerrados llenos de gente como aeropuertos y aviones, y lĆ”vate las manos con frecuencia. No viajes y mantente alejado de los demĆ”s si estĆ”s enfermo. 

Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tus vacunas y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación​.​

​


Page Last Updated :