Prevention & Vaccines
The best protection against respiratory illness is the same every season: get your recommended vaccines and layer on a few everyday habits. This guidance applies to flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory viruses.
Get vaccinated
Vaccines are the single best way to lower your risk of serious respiratory illness. Recommended seasonal vaccines include:
- Flu — a yearly vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, ideally by the end of October.
- COVID-19 — stay up to date with the current recommended vaccine.
- RSV — recommended for older adults and during pregnancy; a preventive antibody is available for infants.
Everyday prevention
Layer these habits on top of vaccination, especially when respiratory activity is high:
- Stay home when you’re sick and keep sick children home until they’re improving and fever-free without medicine.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Improve indoor air with ventilation, and consider a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces when activity is high.
- Clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
Higher-risk groups
Some people are more likely to become seriously ill from respiratory viruses and should prioritize vaccination and early care:
A dedicated higher-risk guidance page can be added here, mirroring the approach used elsewhere on the CCBH site.
Treatment basics
Most people recover with rest and fluids. For flu and COVID-19, antiviral medicines can reduce the risk of severe illness and work best when started early — so if you are at higher risk and develop symptoms, contact your provider promptly to ask about testing and treatment.
Seek emergency care for warning signs
Adults: trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, persistent dizziness, severe weakness, or symptoms that improve then return with fever.
Children: fast or troubled breathing, bluish lips or face, no tears when crying or other signs of dehydration, or a high fever. When in doubt, call your provider or seek care.
Sources: U.S. CDC; Ohio Department of Health; Cuyahoga County Board of Health. This information supports, and does not replace, advice from your health care provider.
Questions about respiratory illness this season?
The CCBH Disease Team can help residents, schools, and businesses.