Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Immunization

To stay healthy this fall and winter, everyone is encouraged to get their flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are available. RSV vaccines are also recommended for those who qualify. These vaccines offer important protection during respiratory illness season, which typically runs from October through April when viruses spread most easily. You can safely receive your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit.

Visit our Flu, COVID-19, and RSV pages to learn more about who is eligible for vaccination, when each vaccine becomes available, and where you can get vaccinated.

Ways to Stay Healthy During Respiratory Illness Season 

• Stay up to date on vaccines. Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccines (such as COVID-19 and RSV, if eligible). Vaccines help protect you, your family, and your community.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 15–20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.
• Limit close contact with people who are sick. If you’re not feeling well, stay home to avoid spreading illness.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Viruses can live on doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and countertops for hours to days.
• Avoid touching your face. Viruses can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Improve air quality. When possible, increase ventilation indoors by opening windows or using air purifiers.
  
   

What if You Get Sick During Respiratory Illness Season?

If you come down with the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or another respiratory illness, take these steps to recover and reduce the chance of spreading it to others:

• Stay home from work, school, and public places when you’re sick.
  Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Dispose of tissues right away.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications (such as pain or fever relievers) to help you feel better. Do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to anyone under 18 years old.
• Soothe sore muscles with a heating pad or hot water bottle (use for short periods).
• Try comfort measures such as a warm bath, gargling with salt water, using lozenges or hard candy, or saline sprays/drops for a stuffy nose.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not visit hospitals or long-term care homes while you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with infants, pregnant people, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions, as they are more likely to get seriously ill.

Call your doctor, nurse practitioner if:

• You don’t start to feel better after a few days.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You are at higher risk (such as older adults, infants, pregnant people, or those with underlying health conditions) and develop symptoms.

Page last updated October 3, 2025