Fall is the season of pumpkins, Halloween, vibrant foliage, and… illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Fortunately, we have vaccines for all three of those major illnesses. We also have the tried-and-true precautions that still help you stay healthy. 

Five ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness during cold and flu season: 

1. Get vaccinated. Stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations. 
2. Wear a mask in crowded spaces. Put on a mask when you’re elbow-to-elbow with others. 
3. Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash. 
4. Keep good air flow indoors. Open windows and use fans when a number of people are in a room. 
5. Stay home when you’re sick. Please follow your agency’s sick leave request and approval protocols and stay home. We value your work here, but it won’t help anyone if you spread your illness to your co-workers. 

Stay home if you’re sick. Test if you can. 

• Anyone who has symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 should avoid contact with others and, if you can, test for COVID-19 immediately. At-home flu tests and combo tests (COVID/flu) are also available. If you have COVID-19, treatment may be available from healthcare providers, but you need to start taking the medications right away.  
• If you have the flu, it’s important to stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  

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