Fall is the start of respiratory season—when illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease can spread easily. Even if you are healthy, you can still spread these diseases to others who may be at higher risk for serious health problems. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help stay healthy and protect not just you, but also your family, friends, and community.
Here’s what you need to know to stay healthy this respiratory season:
Get Vaccinated
Everyone age 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine and consider getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine every year. Ask a healthcare professional if you also need RSV or pneumococcal vaccines, especially if you are pregnant, age 50 or older, or have a medical condition like heart disease.
Practice Healthy Habits
- Wash Your Hands: Clean hands help stop the spread of germs. Use soap and water or, if not available, hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose.
- Stay Home if You’re Sick: If you feel sick, stay home to protect others.
Know the Symptoms
Many respiratory illnesses have common symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Identifying illnesses early helps ensure you receive the right medications to feel better faster and prevent serious complications. If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, or congestion, contact a healthcare professional immediately to determine whether testing or treatment is appropriate.
Ask about Antivirals To Feel Better Faster
Even with immunization, breakthrough infections can occur—and that’s where antiviral medicines play an essential role. Antivirals for flu or COVID work best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms, but can still help if started later. Antivirals are available by prescription only—you cannot buy them over the counter so call a healthcare professional at the first sign of flu.
Antivirals can help:
- Reduce the severity and duration of illness
- Lower the risk of complications (such as pneumonia or hospitalization)
- Protect vulnerable populations—including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions
Stay Informed
Follow trusted sources like NFID for the latest immunization guidance, including respiratory disease prevention and treatment.
To join the conversation and get the latest news on infectious diseases:
- Like and follow NFID on social media
- Listen and subscribe to the Infectious IDeas podcast
- Subscribe to receive future NFID Updates
