Respiratory viruses are responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year in the US. There are many common types of respiratory viruses in addition to COVID-19, including influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The best way to avoid getting sick with any of these – or more than one at once! – is to practice some core prevention strategies.

• Get your immunizations

• Practice good hand hygiene

• Take steps to improve air quality in your home

• If you do get sick, stay home to prevent spread

Recommendations are to stay home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better AND you are fever-free without use of fever reducing medications for 24 hours. Then take additional prevention steps for at least the next 5 days.

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If you or someone in your household have risk factors for severe illness, contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment options to reduce the severity of your illness and the chances of passing the virus to someone else.

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Taking steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you are sick is an important part of lowering risk of developing serious illness and helping to protect others.

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Additional prevention strategies can be taken after you have been sick, or if you or a loved one is at high risk of developing serious illness from any of the respiratory viruses.

• Wear masks

• Practice social distancing

• Take a test when you feel symptoms

These additional precautions can be especially helpful when respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.