Slow the Spread

These recommendations to prevent respiratory illnesses are based on current public health guidance from the Virginia Department of Health - to stay up to date with vaccines, practice good hygiene, take steps for cleaner indoor air, and prevent the spread of viruses.

Adapted from Ian Mackay, The Swiss Cheese Infographic that Went Viral, Dec 2020

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV, can spread from person to person. To limit the spread of these illnesses, follow these tips:

Stay up to date on vaccines

• Stay up to date on vaccines for respiratory illness. Find COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments with Vaccinefinder.org.
• Ask your healthcare provider about getting protected from RSV, especially if you:
  • Are over 50 years old (for vaccine)
  • Are 32–36 weeks pregnant during September–January (to protect newborns)
  • Have an Infant born during or entering first respiratory illness season (for antibodies)

Clean frequently touched surfaces

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly (at least daily when someone in household is sick).

Wash hands, cover coughs/sneezes

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If handwashing is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue and dispose of it. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Improve indoor air

• Take steps for cleaner air. Bring outdoor air indoors. Filter air to lower the amount of virus in your home and work.

Stay away from others if sick

• Stay home and away from others for at least 24 hours until both are true:
  • Your symptoms are improving (if you had symptoms) and
  • You are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medicine).
• Use separate bathroom and bedroom from others, if possible.

Wear a mask

• Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort, when required or recommended.
• You may choose to mask at any time.
• People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to a respiratory illness should wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public.

Keep safer distances from others

• Keep as much distance as possible from people who do not live with you.
• Avoid crowds if you cannot keep safe distances.

Get tested

• Get tested
  • A test can tell you what illness you have, and inform your treatment and prevention actions.
  • A healthcare provider can tell you if you need a test. You can buy some tests over the counter.
  • Consider testing before you are around anyone at high risk, and especially if you or a household member are at risk for serious illness from a respiratory infection.
• For COVID–19 or flu, your provider may prescribe medicines to make your symptoms less severe or shorten the time you are sick.