What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones during this viral season? Here are some tips to guide you through the COVID-19, flu and RSV season.

Tip 1: Get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 and the flu.

If you're eligible, vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu may help better protect you from getting seriously sick. The CDC recommends that people 6 months or older complete their primary series vaccines for COVID-19. Boosters are available for eligible people who are 5 years or older. If you're moderately or severely immunocompromised, you may have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Your vaccine recommendations are separate to make sure you get the level of protection you need to stay safe.

All people 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine, according to the CDC. If you do get the flu, it's more likely that you won't be as sick when compared to someone who didn't get their flu vaccine. It's estimated that 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations were avoided during the 2019 to 2020 flu season in the U.S. thanks to flu vaccines.

Because there is no vaccine for RSV, the CDC recommends practicing good personal hygiene, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Tip 2: Stock up now for sickness later.

When you feel sick, the last thing you want to have to do is make a trip to the pharmacy for the essentials you need to feel better and recover. Also, a trip could increase the possibility of spreading infection to others. Check your medicine cabinet ahead of time to see if you have get-better supplies on hand, including:

• Over-the-counter pain or fever relievers
• Thermometer to spot fevers quickly
• Lozenges to soothe sore throats
• Oral rehydration solution to stay hydrated
• Rapid tests, like AIVD COVID-19/Flu A/Flu B Antigen Combo Test if you are in the EU, to help rule in or rule out COVID-19
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer and household disinfectant

Tip 3: Exercise caution and cleanliness.

People touch their face more than 20 times an hour on average. We also touch common surfaces, such as door handles and countertops, every day. That's why it's important to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and be mindful of your eyes, nose, and mouth. A 2020 study about hand hygiene and disease spread in airports found that the spread of a potential pandemic could decrease by up to 69% if people washed their hands more frequently.

SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV viruses are all considered contagious respiratory diseases. So, if you're heading to a crowded indoor location, consider masking to protect yourself from droplets that could carry either virus. At home, school or work, disinfect surfaces such as counters, doorknobs and light switches to prevent the spread of infection from touching surfaces that can have the virus on it.

If you're experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the flu or RSV, stay home. Schedule an appointment to get tested or turn to your stash of at-home COVID-19 tests so you can test without leaving home.

A healthcare professional may be able to test for COVID-19, the flu and RSV at the same visit. AIVD offers several diagnostic tools to aid in fast, reliable respiratory virus testing. From our Flu A&B rapid testing solutions to the COVID-19 rapid testing solutions to the CE-marked COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Rapid Combo Test, we are equipping clinicians with tools to diagnose respiratory viruses quickly and reliably. Fast diagnosis means faster treatment, which is key for time-sensitive antiviral medicines that are different for the flu and for COVID-19.

Be respiratory season ready. Taking preventative steps today can bring a bit of peace of mind into your house this virus season.

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