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Respiratory Virus Prevention

Six tips to stay healthy this cold and flu season

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 “cold and flu season” or “respiratory virus season.”

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.

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.

Everyone 6 months+ should receive updated 2024/2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines. People 65+ and those who are immunocompromised should receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.
RSV immunizations are available for:

Infants younger than 8 months
High-risk infants/toddlers 8 through 19 months
People who are 32–36 weeks pregnant
All adults 75 and older
Some high-risk adults 60–74 years old

Stay 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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

Respiratory Virus Prevention

Communications toolkits

Protect yourself from COVID-19, Flu and RSV (CDC)
Respiratory Virus Resources for People with Disabilities (CDC)

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.

Fact Sheets

Tips for Staying Healthy This Virus Season fact sheet

Tips for Staying Healthy This Virus Season (PDF)

Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses fact sheet

Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses (PDF)

Video

Flu, COVID-19, RSV

Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses

Posted to Facebook, December 2024

CDPH Director Dr. Tomás Aragón reminds 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 Facebook

Social Media

Share the following images and messages on social media. Click on each image to enlarge, then right click and “save as.”

General Respiratory Virus Prevention

	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
	Suggested Messaging: Protect your family from catching respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV by following these 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. Ventilate indoor spaces. Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread
	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. If you test positive for COVID-19 ask your doctor if you qualify for prescription treatments. Consider masking indoors. Wash your hands and cover your cough. Ventilate indoor spaces. Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread
	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. If you test positive for COVID-19 ask your doctor if you qualify for prescription treatments. Consider masking indoors. Wash your hands and cover your cough. Ventilate indoor spaces. Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccines. Learn more about respiratory virus protection: go.cdph.ca. gov/respiratory-viruses #SlowTheSpread
	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
	Suggested Messaging: Cold and flu season is still here. If you’re feeling sick, take these steps to protect yourself and others: Stay home and rest. Avoid contact with other people as much as possible, especially those at higher risk for serious illness. Wear a mask if you must be around others. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Stay hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. Cover your cough or sneeze. Talk to a health care provider about treating aches and fever with over the counter or prescription medications. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx X: Cold and flu season is still here. If you’re feeling sick, take these steps to protect yourself and others. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx

Stay Home if You’re Sick, and Test

Feeling sick? Stay home and call a health care provider

Congestion or runny nose? Stay home & 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 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

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

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 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

My mask protects you, your mask protects me

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

Improve Indoor Air Quality

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
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 Traveling

	Suggested messaging: Going on a trip? Reduce your risk of catching respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccines Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces like airports and planes 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
WhatsApp Messaging
	Suggested messaging: Cold and flu season is still here. If you're feeling sick, take these steps to protect yourself and others: Stay home and rest. Avoid contact with other people as much as possible, especially those at higher risk for serious illness. Wear a mask if you must be around others. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Stay hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. Cover your cough or sneeze. Talk to a health care provider about treating aches and fever with over the counter or prescription medications. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx

Spanish Social Media

General Respiratory Virus Prevention
	Suggested Messaging: Los virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VRS se propagan más fácilmente en los meses de otoño 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 más información #ReduceLaPropagación
	Suggested Messaging: Protege a tu familia de contraer virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VRS siguiendo estos 6 consejos principales: Mantente al día con tus vacunas contra la gripe, COVID-19 y VRS. Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba si estás enfermo. Busca tratamiento médico si la prueba de gripe o COVID-19 da positivo. Considera usar una mascarilla en lugares cerrados llenos de gente. Lávate 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
	Suggested Messaging: No dejes que la gripe, COVID-19 y VRS te detengan. Mantente al día con las vacunas. Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba si estás enfermo. Busca tratamiento si la prueba de gripe o COVID-19 da positivo. Considera usar una mascarilla en interiores. Lávate las manos y tápate la boca al toser. Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses para obtener más información #ReduceLaPropagación
	Suggested Messaging: No seas este hombre. ¡No dejes que te pegue la gripe, el COVID-19 o el VRS! Mantente al día con las vacunas. Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba si estás enfermo. Busca tratamientos si la prueba de gripe o COVID-19 da positivo. Considera usar una mascarilla en interiores. Lávate las manos y tápate la boca al toser. Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tu vacuna y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses #ReduceLaPropagación
	Suggested Messaging: Ciertas personas corren mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente a causa de infecciones respiratorias, especialmente la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VRS. Estos incluyen: Adultos mayores Niños pequeños Personas embarazadas Personas con sistemas inmunológicos más débiles 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
	Suggested Messaging: La temporada de resfriados y gripe todavía está aquí. Si te sientes enfermo, toma estas medidas para protegerte y proteger a los demás: Quédate en casa y descansa. Evita el contacto con los demás tanto como sea posible, especialmente con personas que corren mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente. Usa una mascarilla si debes estar cerca de otras personas. Lávate las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, utiliza un desinfectante de manos con al menos un 60 % de alcohol. Mantente hidratado con muchos líquidos claros. Cúbrete al toser o estornudar. Habla con un proveedor de atención médica sobre cómo tratar los dolores y la fiebre con medicamentos de venta libre o recetados. Aprende más: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx X/Bluesky: La temporada de resfriados y gripe todavía está aquí. Si te sientes enfermo, toma estas medidas para protegerte y proteger a los demás. Aprende más: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx

Stay Home if You’re Sick, and Test

¿Te sientes enfermo? Quédate en casa y llama a un proveedor de salud.

¿Dolor de garanta? Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba

¿Tienes tos? Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba.

¿Fiebre o escalofríos? Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba.

¿Nueva pérdida del gusto o del olfato? Quédate en casa y hazte la prueba.

Suggested Messaging:
La temporada de resfriados y gripe está aquí. Ayuda a prevenir la propagación de virus respiratorios (como COVID-19, gripe y VRS) quedándote en casa y haciéndote pruebas de COVID-19 y de gripe si tienes síntomas. Si el resultado da positivo, comunícate con tu proveedor de atención médica de inmediato y pregúntale acerca de los medicamentos, ya que funcionan mejor cuando se inician inmediatamente después de que comienzan los síntomas. Obtén más información: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested
#ReduceLaPropagación

Cover Your Cough or Sneeze

Suggested Messaging:
Tose o estornude en el codo, el brazo o en un pañuelo desechable para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de virus. Asegúrate de lavarte o desinfectarte las manos y desechar tu pañuelo después de usarlo. Obtén consejos de prevención: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses
#ReduceLaPropagación

Wash Your Hands

Suggested Messaging:
Lávate las manos con frecuencia, con jabón y agua tibia, durante al menos 20 segundos, es una manera fácil de prevenir enfermarte y propagar gérmenes. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, usa desinfectantes para manos con al menos un 60% de alcohol. Obtén 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

Considera el uso de mascarillas en lugares publicos en interiores

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 VRS. Considera usar una mascarilla en lugares públicos cerrados, especialmente si estás cerca de personas con mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente. Obtén más 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

Mi Mascarilla te protege a ti. Y tu mascarilla me protege a mi.

Suggested Messaging:

El uso de una mascarilla en lugares públicos cerrados ayuda a preven ir la transmisión de los virus respiratorios como la gripe, el COVID-19 y el VRS. Las mascarillas también 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 más 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

	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 portátiles. Obtén más 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
	Suggested messaging: Abre ventanas y puertas para permitir que entre el aire fresco y evitar que los virus se acumulen. Obtén más 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
	Suggested messaging: Reduce los virus respiratorios (como COVID-19, gripe y VRS) reemplazando los filtros de aire sucios de tu sistema de calefacción y aire. Obtén más 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 Traveling

	Suggested messaging: ¿Te vas de viaje? Reduce el riesgo de contraer virus respiratorios como COVID-19, gripe y VRS. Asegúrate de estar al día 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 lávate las manos con frecuencia. No viajes y mantente alejado de los demás si estás enfermo. Visita MyTurn.ca.gov para programar tus vacunas y go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses
WhatsApp Messaging
	Suggested Messaging: La temporada de resfriados y gripe todavía está aquí. Si te sientes enfermo, toma estas medidas para protegerte y proteger a los demás: Quédate en casa y descansa. Evita el contacto con los demás tanto como sea posible, especialmente con personas que corren mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente. Usa una mascarilla si debes estar cerca de otras personas. Lávate las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, utiliza un desinfectante de manos con al menos un 60 % de alcohol. Mantente hidratado con muchos líquidos claros. Cúbrete al toser o estornudar. Habla con un proveedor de atención médica sobre cómo tratar los dolores y la fiebre con medicamentos de venta libre o recetados. Aprende más: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx