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
- Core Prevention Strategies
- Additional Prevention Strategies
Get the Guidance Summary Graphic
Download and share this infographic that summarizes key strategies in the guidance.
Special Considerations
In addition to CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance, there are several special considerations for people with certain risk factors for severe illness.
Treatment as Prevention
Treatment is a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.