Slow the Spread

This guidance is based on updated CDC recommendations for preventing respiratory viruses in most people. The March 2024 guidance provides a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

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 60 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.