Preventing Respiratory Viruses

Page last updated 10/22/2026.

_{The County of San Diego is dedicated to preventing
vaccine-preventable diseases by following the West
Coast Health Alliance’s (WCHA) recommendations for
vaccinations based on credible, transparent, and science-based
evidence.}

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

On this page:

How to Stay Healthy
Risk
Educational Materials

How to Stay Healthy

Get vaccinated. Vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness. The best time to get a vaccine is before viruses, such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19, spread during the fall and winter. It is safe, effective, and convenient to get multiple vaccines together.
- Not sure where to get the vaccine? Go to sandiegocounty.gov/vaccines or  MyTurn to find options.
- Learn more about:

Stay home and away from others if sick from a respiratory virus. This slows the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and even the common cold.

Wear a mask. Wear a quality mask, such as a N95 or KN95. Masks are especially helpful if you are:
- Already sick or tested positive,
- High risk for severe disease,
- Exposed and in contact with high-risk individuals, and/or
- In a crowded space or indoors.

Practice good hygiene.
- Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  - If not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 
- Cover your cough or sneeze.

Bring in fresh air. If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows to bring in fresh outdoor air. This prevents virus particles from building up indoors.

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Risk

Anyone can get sick from a respiratory virus. However, some people are more likely to become very ill when they get infected. A severe respiratory infection can lead to hospitalization, lifelong complications, and/or death.  

Those at higher risk for severe diseases, include, but are not limited to:

Older adults, especially those 65 and older.
Infants and young children (less than 5 years).
People with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
People with weakened immune systems.
People with disabilities.
People who are pregnant or recently pregnant.
People who live in a skilled nursing facility and other long term care facilities.

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