Take care! RSV season is here.

RSV season has been declared in Idaho and in Oregon with virus activity increasing earlier than usual. Respiratory syncytial virus, (RSV), is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.

If you or a loved one is at high risk for severe RSV disease:

If you are at high risk for severe RSV infection, or if you interact with an older adult or young child, you can take extra care to keep them healthy with the following tips:

• Wash your hands often
  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.
• Keep your hands off your face
  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people
  Avoid close contact, such as kissing, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who have cold-like symptoms.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash afterward.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
  Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices. When people infected with RSV touch surfaces and objects, they can leave behind germs. Also, when they cough or sneeze, droplets containing germs can land on surfaces and objects.
• Stay home when you are sick
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and public areas when you are sick. This will help protect others from catching your illness.

Learn more on RSV surveillance from the Oregon Health Authority here. Read and share the CDC fact sheets RSV in Infants and Young Children and Older Adults are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection.