Respiratory viruses are more common in the fall and winter, and it’s important to take proactive measures to reduce your risk of severe illness.
Albert Rizzo, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, American Lung Association
Common seasonal respiratory viruses include influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. These illnesses spread from person to person and can have overlapping symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue. Anyone can get sick from a respiratory illness, although some people are at greater risk for severe illness, including:
- Children under age 5 and older adults. Children have developing immune systems and small lungs and airways, while older adults have weakened immune systems, making it more difficult to defend against infectious respiratory diseases.
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness and severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms.
- Ensure that you are up-to-date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines help your immune system fight infections faster and more effectively. For the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:
- Flu vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older.
- RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60 to 74 with certain risk factors like chronic lung disease. RSV vaccines are not needed annually. Newborns can be protected against severe RSV by either vaccination during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy in September through January or a preventive RSV antibody for infants under 8 months old in October through March. Some toddlers 8-19 months at increased risk are recommended to receive an RSV antibody as well.
- COVID-19 vaccines for everyone aged 6 months or older.
- Practice everyday healthy habits that prevent the spread of illness:
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Clean frequently touched surfaces
- Wear a mask if you are sick and around others
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have respiratory virus symptoms. Early testing for COVID-19 and the flu helps ensure you and those in your care receive timely guidance before symptoms worsen.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 or the flu, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. Antiviral medicine is recommended for individuals at increased risk of severe illness.
- Seek immediate emergency care if you or a loved one is having trouble breathing, are dehydrated, or are experiencing severe or worsening symptoms during your illness.
The fall and winter months often bring a surge of respiratory illness. Ensuring that you are up to date on vaccines; contacting your doctor if you have symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness; and incorporating everyday health habits can help keep you and your family healthy this year. Learn more at Lung.org.
