Protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses
Is just a cold, or do you have COVID-19, the flu or RSV? All of these illnesses affect the nose, throat and lungs and cause similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell what you might be sick with.
In addition to sharing symptoms, respiratory illnesses are also highly contagious. The viruses that cause them can easily spread from close, person-to-person contact — being around a sick person who is coughing or sneezing and touching surfaces that contain the virus, then touching your face.
Although these illnesses are usually mild, for certain groups of people — like babies, older adults and those with weakened immune systems — respiratory viruses can potentially cause hospitalizations and be life-threatening.
Learn more about COVID-19, flu and RSV, including information on vaccines and other ways you can protect yourself against respiratory illnesses.
How to protect yourself from getting sick
In addition to getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines each year (and an RSV vaccine, if recommended for you), there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses:
- Cover your nose and mouth with the bend of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home, call your provider and keep away from others as much as possible if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or flu.
Hand-hygiene techniques to help you avoid getting sick
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drug stores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.