Respiratory Illnesses
There are many types of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each year respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. The good news is there are ways to protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
Prevention
The CDC provides recommendations and information to help people lower their risk from a range of common respiratory illnesses.
Stay home and away from others until 24 hours after you are fever-free (without medication) and your symptoms are getting better. Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
Core prevention strategies include:
- Stay up to date on immunizations.
- Practice healthy hygiene.
- Take steps for cleaner air.
- Prevent the spread of respiratory viruses by staying home when you are sick.
Additional prevention strategies include:
- Where a mask.
- Physically distance from others.
- Get tested.
Data
For weekly case count updates for all respiratory viruses in Wisconsin, see the Weekly Respiratory Surveillance Reports.
Note: CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings and long term care facilities (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control). Although these are CDC recommendations, workplaces and organizations may have their own infection control policies.
Created 3/12/2024
