Stay Healthy This Respiratory Virus Season

Autumn in Ohio brings more than football and pumpkin spice - it also brings the beginning of respiratory virus season.

"We have so much to look forward to as the seasons change in Ohio, but respiratory viruses aren't on that list," said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. "The good news is we have immunizations that protect us against some of the viruses that cause serious illness."

Healthcare providers across the state are ready to offer Ohioans immunizations that can provide protection against viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19.

For both longtime Ohioans and those experiencing their first fall as a Buckeye, here are a few reminders to keep you healthy, plus tips for managing asthma in cold weather.

Influenza

For protection against influenza, also known as "the flu," everyone aged 6 months and older is recommended to receive a flu vaccine each year. Since the circulating flu viruses change each year, the vaccine you received last year won't protect you against this year's viruses. It's best to get this immunization in September or October, before peak flu season begins.

Americans have been safeguarding themselves against influenza since 1945, when the flu vaccine was first licensed for public use, according to the World Health Organization. Some people who get the flu vaccine may still get the flu, but the vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalizations. Free online tools can help you find a local provider for flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common cause of lung and respiratory tract infections. Are you an adult who got an RSV vaccine last year? Good news, you're already protected. You don't need this vaccine annually. The RSV vaccine is recommended for people at high risk for severe infection from this virus: newborns, some young children, and older adults.

A single-dose RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50-74 who have conditions that increase risk for severe RSV.

There are two options to protect young children from RSV:

• The maternal RSV vaccine, given to expecting mothers who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during RSV season. This option passes protection to the baby before they are born but it's only an option for one pregnancy. For any following pregnancies, the baby should receive RSV antibodies.
• The RSV antibody is given to babies born during RSV season whose mothers did not receive the RSV vaccine and some young children. Your healthcare provider can help you determine what's best for you and your baby.

For information on RSV immunizations, and where to receive them locally, reach out to your healthcare provider or local health department.

COVID-19

Got your COVID-19 shot last year? It's time for an updated 2026-2027 vaccine. Annual immunization is the best protection from the strains currently circulating.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It is especially important to get your 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine if you are ages 65 and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.

Most health insurance plans cover COVID-19 immunizations at no cost, and programs are available to help those who are uninsured and underinsured. Reach out to your local health department for more information.

How to Stop the Spread of Viruses

• Get vaccinated. RSV, flu, and COVID-19 immunizations may be administered during the same visit to save time. Talk with your healthcare provider about which options are best for you. It takes the body 10-14 days to build up the best protection after you get vaccinated, so plan ahead for gatherings and travel.
• Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water keeps you healthy by sending illness-causing germs and bacteria down the drain. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. It's especially important to have clean hands while cooking and eating, while caring for someone who is sick, after using the restroom, and other key times outlined by the CDC.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Asthma

Cold and flu season combined with winter weather can create extra challenges for people with asthma.

Dry winter air can irritate and inflame the airways, leading to worsening asthma symptoms. Cold temperatures can also mean people spend more time indoors, increasing their exposure to allergens, irritants, and respiratory viruses.

Here are some tips to help manage and prevent flare-ups:

• Take your asthma medications as directed and keep a quick-relief inhaler on hand.
• Try to avoid going outside on extremely cold weather days, but if you must go out, loosely wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth to warm the air before you breathe it in.
• Protect yourself during respiratory virus season by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying home when you feel sick.

For more information and resources - including a blank asthma action plan - visit our asthma program website.