Respiratory Viral Illness Information and Prevention

Protecting Yourself from Respiratory Viral Illness

When viruses attack the respiratory system, they can cause illnesses. Respiratory viral illnesses include the common cold, coronaviruses, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. This page includes information and resources so Tennesseans can protect themselves from severe respiratory viral illness

Stay Up-to-Date with Immunizations

• Immunizations are available from providers and local health departments for COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
• Vaccines help your body prepare to fight against viruses.
• Vaccines can reduce your chance of getting really sick.
• Getting a vaccine can mean fewer days off work or out of school.
• When you get vaccinated, you help protect others from getting sick.

Practice Good Hygiene

• Learn and use proper handwashing techniques.
  • Wet hands with clean, running water
  • Apply soap
  • Make a lather and scrub well, include back of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails
  • Rub hands for a lest 20 seconds
  • Rinse hand thoroughly
  • Dry hands using a clean paper towel, or air-dry    
• Clean surfaces frequently with soap or detergent to remove germs and dirt.
• Cover coughs and sneezes to limit the spread of germs and protect others.
• Other, less studied hygiene practices, such as nasal rinsing, may be beneficial. If you are considering nasal rinsing, follow CDC recommendations.
  • Use boiled, distilled, or sterile water to prevent a rare infection from Naegleria fowleri. 
  • If tap water is the only option, be sure to boil the water for 1-to-3 minutes and let the water stop boiling and cool before using as a rinse for sinuses or nasal passages. 
  • Talk with your provider about whether nasal rinsing is a good, safe hygiene practice for you.

Treatment

• Plan with a healthcare provider about accessing treatment before you might need it.
• Use the online treatment locator from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to find sites that have medications in stock to treat either COVID-19 or influenza.
• Talk with friends and family about antiviral treatments as options to reduce the chances of being hospitalized or dying from respiratory viruses.
• Follow the treatment guidance of a healthcare provider and take all medications only as prescribed.