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Respiratory Virus Guidance

What to know

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance

This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

Get the Guidance Summary Graphic

Download and share this infographic that summarizes key strategies in the guidance.

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RVG summary graphic
CDC's respiratory virus guidance consists of 5 core and 3 additional prevention strategies.

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Special Considerations

In addition to CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance, there are several special considerations for people with certain risk factors for severe illness.

Risk Factors for Severe Illness from Respiratory Viruses

Treatment as Prevention

Treatment is a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.

Keep Reading: Treatment of Respiratory Viruses

About the Guidance

Notice‎

CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control). Federal civil rights laws may require reasonable modifications or reasonable accommodations in various circumstances. Nothing in this guidance is intended to detract from or supersede those laws.
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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)