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Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Illness this Winter

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (opens in new window)
(RSV) activity is increasing in California and can cause serious disease for older adults and young children. Influenza (opens in new window) (Flu) season started early this year and disproportionately impacts older adults and young children. COVID-19 (opens in new window) cases are also rising, and older adults are most at risk for adverse effects. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers five tips to protect yourself, your family, and all those around you in the coming months. You can safely celebrate the winter holiday season and limit the spread of respiratory viruses by following these tips.

• Get Vaccinated, Boosted (and Treated) — Flu and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best defense to limit severe illness and death – and you can get both at the same time. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your doctor or a test-to-treat (opens in new window) site immediately to seek treatment (opens in new window).
• Stay Home if You're Sick! — Avoid close contact with others to protect them, which is especially important for respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 that can lead to more severe illness.
• Wear a Mask  — There is no vaccine for RSV but wearing a mask (especially in indoor public spaces) can significantly slow the spread and protect those most at risk.
• Wash Your Hands  — Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds, is an easy and very effective way to prevent getting sick and spreading germs.
• Cover Your Cough or Sneeze — Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of winter viruses. Then wash or sanitize your hands and dispose of your tissue.

Additional Resources

California Department of Public Health: Five Winter Virus Prevention Tips Fact Sheet (opens in new window)

Video Message from California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan (opens in new window)

Holidays and COVID-19: Gathering Safely

RSV Older Adult Zoom Background

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