Respiratory Virus Guidance
Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Learn about how to reduce your risk of getting sick from these viruses, and if they are spreading in your community.
Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance
This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
- Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses
- Hygiene and Respiratory Virus Prevention
- Taking Steps for Cleaner Air for Respiratory Virus Prevention
- Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
- Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention
- Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses
- Testing and Respiratory Viruses
Special Considerations
In addition to CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance, there are several special considerations for people with certain risk factors for severe illness.
COVID-19 for Healthcare Providers
Visit the link above for up-to-date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations (e.g., duration of isolation, recommended personal protective equipment) for healthcare settings such as nursing homes, dental facilities, dialysis facilities and emergency medical services.
Risk Factors for Severe Illness from Respiratory Viruses
- Older Adults
- Young Children
- People with Weakened Immune Systems
- People with Disabilities
- Pregnant People
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are available from many retail pharmacies, physicians’ offices and community organizations. To locate vaccine providers, visit vaccines.gov.
Test Kits
Hamilton County Public Health has free COVID-19 test kits available for pickup at our offices. Additionally, U.S. households will be eligible to order 4 free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year.
Treatment as Prevention
Treatment is a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.
Treatment of Respiratory Viruses
