Preventing Respiratory Viruses

Page last updated 11/24/2025.

_{In alignment with leading
medical, health, and patient advocacy groups, the
County of San Diego affirms that vaccines are not linked to
autism. We remain committed to ensuring residents continue to
have access to safe and effective vaccines that are based on
credible, transparent, and science-based
evidence.}

Each year, respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. Lower your chances of catching, spreading, or getting very sick from, a respiratory virus.

On this page:

Prevention Strategies
Educational Materials

Prevention Strategies

Stay up-to-date on recommended immunizations, including:
- The current COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine.
- The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine if 75 and older, 50-74 with increased risk of getting very sick from RSV, or pregnant.
- The RSV monoclonal antibody if infants younger than 8 months are born during - or entering - their first RSV season.
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit. For people who prefer to get their recommended vaccines at different visits, there is no specific amount of time after the previous vaccine to get the next one.
People may also be due for other vaccines, like those to prevent pneumococcal disease, shingles, or whooping cough. Ask a doctor which vaccines are recommended.

Stay home and away from others if sick from a respiratory virus. These symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
- Seek healthcare right away for testing and/or treatment to lower risk of getting very sick.

Wearing a mask to help reduce the amount of germs breathed in.
- When worn by a person who is sick, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others

Practice good hygiene by:
- Covering coughs and sneezes,
- Washing or sanitizing hands often, and
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Viral particles in the air spread easier indoors than outdoors.
Take steps for cleaner air, such as opening windows or using air filters, or gathering outdoors.