There are many health precautions that reduce your chances of getting or spreading flu, RSV, or COVID-19. Here are a few of the most important and effective measures:
- Get vaccinated and stay up to date with vaccinations. Everyone age 6 months or older can get vaccinated against flu and receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. RSV vaccines can also prevent severe RSV-related illness for older adults, young children, and pregnant people.
- Wash and sanitize your hands. Washing and sanitizing your hands is a simple and important way to prevent the spread of viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19. Read more from the CDC about how and when to wash your hands.
- Wear a mask when in crowded, poorly ventilated, and indoor areas and when around people who are immunocompromised. Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask is an effective way to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, RSV, and COVID-19. These viruses spread via respiratory droplets that come from coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Wearing a high-quality mask prevents the spread of the virus to others and protects the mask-wearer.
- Physically distance yourself from other people when in crowded, poorly ventilated, and indoor areas and when around people who are immunocompromised. Respiratory viruses can travel and linger in the air, and this is a concern especially when you are indoors, in poorly ventilated spaces, and in close quarters with other people. If you can’t avoid being in crowded areas, try putting physical distance between yourself and others to help lower the risk of spreading or catching any illnesses.
- Stay home and isolate from other people if you’re experiencing symptoms. If you’re feeling sick, you should stay home and remain separate from everyone else. You should also monitor your symptoms to determine the length of your at-home isolation.
- Bring fresh air into your home and other gathering spaces. When possible, open windows and doors or use fans to improve the fresh airflow in your living and gathering spaces. Alternatively, move activities outdoors, where airflow is best. If you use a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, change your air filter every three months or as frequently as the instructions mention.
- Test for a respiratory infection if you develop symptoms. While there isn’t an at-home test for RSV, at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 and flu tests are effective and reliable when used properly. If at-home tests are unavailable, contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and determine which test(s) should be taken.
- Contact your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about testing and treatments, especially if you or your loved ones are at high risk for complications from flu, RSV, or COVID-19. There are effective treatments for these illnesses, but they need to be started early to be effective. Your healthcare provider can also help you manage symptoms, if sick.
Updated March 11, 2024