Respiratory Illnesses

Recognizing Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illnesses, caused by bacteria or viruses, typically impact the lungs and throat. They spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. These illnesses are common during colder months when people spend more time indoors. Other respiratory illnesses caused by environmental factors or family history—like asthma or COPD—do not spread from person to person.

Understanding the range of respiratory illnesses and how they spread helps you take the right steps to stay healthy. Prevention is key, whether it’s through vaccines, everyday prevention practices, or seeking timely medical care.

Vaccines: An Important Prevention Tool

Getting vaccinated against respiratory viruses like COVID, flu and RSV is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy during the fall and winter months. Vaccines protect against severe illness and hospitalization. If you do get sick, getting vaccinated can make your symptoms milder and not as long-lasting.

Key Prevention Steps

We all have a role to play in limiting the spread of germs by practicing these key prevention measures:

• Stay up to date with vaccines. Vaccines are your best defense against severe illness. They can make your symptoms milder and shorter if you do get sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water and cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
• Avoid contact with others if you or they are sick and consider staying home if you feel unwell to prevent spreading illness.
• Take steps for cleaner air. This can mean bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
• Know your treatment options. Treatments vary depending on the type of respiratory illness. Antibiotics help with bacterial infections. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for certain viral illnesses like flu and COVID.

Additional Prevention Steps

• Consider wearing a mask if you or those around you are at higher risk of severe illness, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with respiratory symptoms.
• Practice physical distancing. At peak respiratory illness times, keeping distance from others, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, can reduce the risk of spreading germs.
• Get tested when appropriate. Testing can help identify certain illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV and inform your next steps. Talk to your health care provider to decide if testing is needed.

Protecting People Most at Risk

Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory illnesses, including older adults, young children, people with weakened immune systems, individuals with disabilities, and those who are pregnant.

If you or someone you care for falls into one of these categories, it’s essential to take extra precautions. Learn about specific considerations for these groups of people by visiting the CDC’s resources.

Treatment and Care

For some respiratory infections, symptoms often improve within a week or two with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. However, if your symptoms worsen or you are at higher risk of severe illness, contact your health care provider right away.

Antibiotics are used to treat certain bacterial infections. It’s important to treat some bacterial respiratory illnesses with antibiotics early.

Antiviral medications are used to treat some viral infections. They work best when started within a few days after symptoms start.

Your health care provider can help determine the best course of action based on your symptoms and medical history.