Simple steps can help Idahoans stay healthy during respiratory illness season
As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, the chances of spreading germs that can cause respiratory infections increase. While most people who catch a respiratory virus will recover after a short illness, some people can get sick enough to be hospitalized.
Going into the fall and winter, this viral respiratory season is anticipated to look like what we experienced last year with seasonal influenza (flu) virus, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
You can reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading respiratory viruses by washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when you are sick.
Idahoans are encouraged to discuss additional options such as vaccinations for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 with a trusted healthcare provider as they make personal and family healthcare decisions.
Flu
This years’ flu vaccines will protect against three different influenza viruses expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. There are enhanced flu vaccines for people 65 years of age and older for a better immune response and stronger protection against the flu. Children as young as 6 months may also receive the flu vaccine.
RSV
RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms in most people but can lead to hospitalization and even death in older people and babies. There are three groups of people who are eligible for RSV vaccines:
- Older Adults: One dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults 75 years of age or older and adults 50-74 years of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV.
- Pregnant Women: The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to protect newborns from RSV for approximately 6 months after birth.
- Infants: One dose of a long-acting infant RSV antibody (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) can be given to babies younger than 8 months born to mothers who did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine. Nirsevimab is also recommended for children ages 8-19 months who are at increased risk of severe illness.
COVID-19
A 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all adults 18 years of age or older. This vaccine is also recommended for all children 6 months of age and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
The CDC has published vaccine guidance for the respiratory season, a respiratory season outlook, and has weekly respiratory disease season updates they will update regularly. Follow the status of respiratory season in Idaho on DHW’s infectious disease data dashboards.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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