Respiratory Viral Illness
When viruses attack the respiratory system, they can cause any of a few types of respiratory viral illnesses. Respiratory viral illnesses include the common cold, coronoviruses, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. This page includes information and resources so Tennesseeans 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 are a safe and effective way to keep you and your family healthy.
Practice Good Hygiene
- Learn and use proper handwashing techniques.
- 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.
Treatment
- Plan with a healthcare provider about accessing treatment before you might need it.
- 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.
Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick
- Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't explainable by another cause.
- Symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
- You can return to your normal activities when your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
- When you go back to your normal activities, take additional precautions over the next 5 days when you will be around other people indoors.
- Additional prevention strategies include masking, distancing, and testing.
- Prevent the ability of respiratory viruses to spread and lower the risk to others of getting sick.
Steps for Cleaner Air
- Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible by opening doors and windows and/or using exhaust fans.
- If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC, a system with air ducts that go throughout the home) that has a filter, set the fan to the “on” position instead of “auto” when you have visitors and use pleated filters. Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner.
- Move activities outdoors, where airflow is best.
More Resources
- Find out if respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.
- Learn more about the risk factors for severe illness from respiratory viruses.
- The CDC's webpage about respiratory virus guidance.