Respiratory Illness: COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV can spread from person to person. To limit the spread of these illnesses, follow these steps if you have symptoms, test positive, or if you had close contact with someone who is sick. 

No single strategy (single Swiss cheese layer) is perfect at preventing the spread of respiratory illness. Each strategy has weaknesses or holes.

Resp Illness Landing Page_Slow the Spread Graphic.png

Use many (overlapping) layers to block more holes – this stops more germs from getting through.

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

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About This Guidance

These recommendations are based on CDC recommendations for preventing COVID-19, flu, and RSV in most people.

You may need to work with people in your household and follow additional policies and guidance for other settings (like employer, school, nursing home, daycare, and/or government).

If you or people in your household are at high risk for serious illness from respiratory infections, ask your healthcare provider about more ways to stay protected.

 

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