Now is the Time to Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses
In the fall and winter, it’s common to get sick from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The best way for people to protect themselves and others from these respiratory viruses is to stay up to date on recommended vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and, if eligible, RSV.
Right now is a perfect time to get your vaccines as we head into fall and winter.
Staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene by washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and taking steps for cleaner air are important ways to protect yourself and others this fall and winter.
Treatments are available for flu and COVID-19 for people at increased risk of serious illness. Treatments can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It’s important to contact a healthcare provider right away to see if treatment is right for you. The earlier treatment is started, the better.
Tests, including at-home tests, can quickly detect COVID-19 so there are no delays in getting treatment and taking steps to protect others from getting sick.
Free COVID-19 tests (four per household) are available through the mail by ordering from covidtests.gov.
• In Virginia, current rates of COVID-19 are low. Flu and RSV activity are currently low, but trending upward.
The most up-to-date data can be found on VDH’s Respiratory Disease Dashboard. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia/data/
Staying up to date on immunizations, staying home when sick, washing hands, and improving air quality are some of the ways you can protect yourself and others. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html - VDH
|