FLU & RSV INFORMATION

Flu: What to Know

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

Flu viruses are found year-round in the U.S., but they mainly spread in the fall and winter, known as the flu season. The season often starts increasing in activity around October, but its exact timing and length can vary.

  • Follow these steps to help protect yourself from the flu.

    • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the annual flu vaccine.

    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

    • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue. Throw the tissue away after you use it.

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water.

    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

    • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects often.

  • If you are sick with flu, you may feel some or all of these symptoms:

    • Fever*/feeling feverish or chills

    • Cough

    • Sore throat

    • Runny or stuffy nose

    • Muscle or body aches

    • Headaches

    • Fatigue (tiredness)

    Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

  • Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses and missed work and school due to flu. If you do get the flu, it can also make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

    The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older every season with rare exceptions.

  • Find answers to some of the most common questions related to the flu.

    Learn More >

RSV: What to Know

RSV is a common virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. While most people get better in a week or two, it can be severe, especially for infants and older adults who might need hospitalization.

There are now vaccines to protect older adults from serious RSV effects.

  • Follow these steps to help protect yourself and those around you from RSV.

    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your shirt sleeve, not your hands.

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

    • Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.

    • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

  • RSV can lead to serious lung conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in children under 1 year old. It's the top cause of these illnesses in this age group.

    If you have cold-like symptoms, you should avoid contact with babies and young children at increased risk for severe RSV disease.

  • Symptoms of RSV infection typically appear in stages and usually include:

    • Runny nose

    • Decrease in appetite

    • Coughing

    • Sneezing

    • Fever

    • Wheezing

    In very young infants,, the only RSV symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

  • RSV infections can be dangerous for certain adults. Each year, it is estimated that between 60,000-160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized and 6,000-10,000 die due to RSV infection.

    The RSV vaccine protects adults over 60 from RSV-related complications since aging weakens the immune system. Those with certain health issues are at even higher risk. If you're 60 or older, discuss getting the RSV vaccine with your doctor.