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Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory VIRUSES

Respiratory Viruses

Many respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, circulate year-round in the United States and California. Some viruses are more active from October through March, such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and many others.

Respiratory viruses can cause cold or flu-like symptoms. They can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. You can also pick up the virus by touching contaminated items and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

These viruses can cause serious illness for some people. People who are at higher risk or around those who are higher risk should take extra precautions to stay healthy.

Get prevention strategies and information for common respiratory viruses. Already feeling sick? Visit the CDC page: Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.

COVID-19

RSV

Flu

Weekly Respiratory Virus Report

SMARTER Steps to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses

California developed the SMARTER Plan to prepare Californians for COVID-19 surges and variants. We can apply these SMARTER steps to reduce the spread of all respiratory infections and protect our most vulnerable populations, our communities, and our state.

SMARTER Steps for respiratory virus prevention

SMARTER Steps for Virus Prevention

Shots

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines are a core strategy to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.

Masks

High quality masks with good fit and filtration can prevent you from catching or spreading a virus. If you know you were exposed, or become ill, wear a mask around others, especially indoors and around those with higher risk.

When and Why to Wear a Mask

Awareness and Additional Strategies

Be aware of viruses that are spreading around you and in your community and take additional actions to stay healthy. If you have symptoms or are sick or know someone else is sick, then these extra precautions are especially important. Be sure to wash your hands, cover your cough, and get good air ventilation.

Readiness and Risk Awareness

Knowing when to protect yourself and loved ones against viruses is also important. Do you or your loved ones belong to one of the higher-risk groups listed below? Or do you plan on visiting someone who is at higher risk? Visit the CDC Risk Factors page for extra precautions to take.

Older adults, especially those 65 and older
People with certain chronic and medical conditions such as heart disease 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
Infants, especially those who are less than 6 months, and young children (less than 5 years)

Testing

Testing is an option if you were exposed or have symptoms of a respiratory virus. If you are at higher risk, then testing is recommended so you can get treatment.

CDPH Testing
Learn about Flu Testing

Education

Educate yourself. Know when the risk is higher in your community by checking the Weekly Respiratory Virus Report or your local health department. Stay home and notify others if you get sick. Take additional actions when you are exposed, have symptoms, or get a positive test result.

Rx

Treatments are available for COVID-19 and influenza that can help prevent serious illness for those with risk factors. Treatments work best when started right after symptoms begin.

California's Respiratory Virus Weekly Report

The Weekly Respiratory Virus Report tracks COVID-19 and flu when the infection rates are highest. The report also tracks positive test result percentages and death rates. These data help to track the spread of respiratory viruses in California and inform the efforts to slow their spread.

Our Actions Save Lives

Californians can take simple actions to prevent respiratory viruses from spreading. Follow the SMARTER steps to lower your chances of catching a respiratory virus and getting very sick if you do. These actions also lower your chances of spreading the virus to others, including those at higher risk of severe illness.

Visit the Respiratory Virus Prevention Toolkit to learn more.