Respiratory Illness Prevention

Respiratory illness can range from mild to severe and can be fatal. Common symptoms include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose, and body aches. Various disease agents, including preventable ones like influenza and pertussis, can cause respiratory symptoms.

If you have asthma or another chronic respiratory condition, it is important to regularly discuss and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations to manage your existing respiratory condition. This is crucial as you may be more vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory infections.

If you experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

To protect yourself and others from respiratory illness, follow these five essential steps:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals, including handshakes and touching.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, and ensure that sick children stay home as well.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. If you don't have a tissue, use your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.