What are respiratory viruses?
Respiratory viruses are viruses that cause illnesses in the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Common respiratory illnesses include influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Respiratory viruses have a range of symptoms and can cause mild to severe illness. Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick, including older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions.
Respiratory viruses spread easily from person to person. They most often spread through droplets that move through the air when someone with the virus talks, coughs or sneezes. Sometimes the viruses can also spread when someone touches a surface or object that has the virus on it before touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
For more information on respiratory viruses such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19, see CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses page.
Ways to reduce spread and protect yourself
To keep respiratory viruses from spreading:
- Stay home if you're sick.
- Keep sick kids home.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially when around someone who is sick.
- Improve airflow in places where people live and work.
- Clean high-touch surfaces often (doorknobs, light switches, counters, phones).
- Avoid touching your face if your hands are not clean (especially eyes, nose and mouth).
- Avoid close contact (kissing, shaking hands and sharing cups or eating utensils) with people who are sick.
- Wear a mask, especially if you are sick or will be around someone who is sick.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations that are recommended for you.
For more information on preventing respiratory illnesses, see CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance page.
Where to find a vaccine
Vaccines may be available through your health care provider or pharmacy. You can search for pharmacies at vaccines.gov.
Don’t have a health care provider? 211 Info is a good place to start if you need help finding a doctor. Specializing in health and social service assistance, they can be reached at [email protected] or by dialing 2-1-1. Language interpreters are available.
Contact Us
For media inquiries, please email [email protected]. For all other respiratory virus-related issues not listed here, please email [email protected].
Posters and other resources
- Clean Your Hands English, Spanish
- Cover Your Cough English, Spanish
- Detenga los gérmenes
- Fiona the Flu Fighter Poster English, Spanish
- Fiona the Flu Fighter Bookmarks English, Spanish
- After the Shots (for parents)
- CDC flu page
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