Protect Yourself From Seasonal Illness 2023-2024

What you need to know for a healthy fall and winter season, uninterrupted by illness due to Flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Page updated on October 13, 2023 at 12:30 PM

Staying Healthy In the 2023-2024 Flu Season

Don't let seasonal respiratory illnesses get in the way of your 2023-2024 fall and winter seasons.

Here are the 3 things you need to know for a healthy year:

  1. COVID-19, the flu, and RSV are all respiratory illnesses that are expected to spike in the fall and winter. Older people, people with underlying health conditions, and young children are at higher risk for severe illness.
  2. Getting vaccinated against these viruses can help protect you and your loved ones from getting very sick this fall and winter.  
  3. You can talk to your doctor now to make a plan for getting vaccines this season and staying healthy.

Use the jump links to learn more. 

THE TRIPLE THREAT   |   GET VACCINATED   |   IF YOU GET SICK   |   HEALTHY HABITS 

Taking care of a child? Learn how to keep little ones safe. 

The Triple Threat

Influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV are all contagious illnesses expected to spread in fall and winter months. They are all respiratory illnesses, meaning they impact how we breathe, but each is caused by a different virus. All three of these viruses can infect anyone, but they pose a higher risk of severe illness for older people, people with underlying health conditions, and young children. 

Stay Safe Get Vaccinated

COVID-19, the Flu, and RSV are all caused by different viruses. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect you and your family from each virus. Booking a quick, affordable vaccine appointment can prevent long interruptions of your healthy fall.

Click the drop downs to learn more about which vaccines you should get and how to book an appointment. Talk to your provider to make a personal plan for which vaccines you should get at what times.  Always call ahead of appointments to ask about hours, eligibility, and out-of-pocket costs.  

COVID-19 Vaccines

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a newly approved COVID-19 vaccine from a pharmacy, provider, or their local health department. This includes pregnant people and older adults.

You can review CDC recommendations for which doses of the updated vaccine you should receive depending on your age, health background, and vaccine history.

It may seem harder to find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment this year because of changes in the vaccine supply chain. Here’s what you can do:

  • Ask your health care provider if they are giving COVID-19 shots. If not, look for appointments at local pharmacies using vaccines.gov.
  • Always call ahead of appointments. Confirm they have the vaccine in stock, verify your insurance coverage, and ask about out-of-pocket costs.
  • Need help finding a shot?  Call AHD at 703.746.4988 for more info. AHD has vaccines for people without insurance and children under 3 years old.

​​​​​​​Appointments: www.vaccines.gov. 

More information: AHD's COVID vaccines page. 

Flu Vaccines

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. This includes pregnant people. This season’s flu vaccine is available now at pharmacies and providers. September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated.

If you are 65 or older, you are at higher risk for severe illness from the flu. You can ask your provider about high-dose flu vaccines and get your shot early.

Appointments: www.vaccines.gov.

More information: Click here.

RSV Vaccines

New immunizations can protect you and your loved ones from RSV.

Who Needs Protection What Is it right for me or my child?
Adults 60 years and older RSV Vaccine  Talk to a doctor to see if it’s right for you.  

 

Pregnant People, Babies, and Young Children 

 

RSV antibody shot (given to baby or child); OR

 

This shot is for all babies under 8 months old and some children with certain medical conditions under 2 years old.
 

 

RSV vaccine (given to pregnant people to protect newborn babies)

 

This vaccine is right for pregnant people who will deliver a baby during respiratory illness season (32-36 weeks pregnant during September – January).

Always call ahead of appointments to ask about hours, eligibility, and out-of-pocket costs.  Read more about RSV vaccines, shots, and prevention here.

If You Get Sick

If you feel sick, treatments are available. Talk to your provider about COVID, Flu, and RSV and how to feel better. 

You may feel similar symptoms for respiratory illnesses. So, your doctor may ask you to take a COVID test or get tested for RSV or flu. A test can help determine safe next steps to feel better and prevent more infection. 

Your doctor may prescribe treatments for illness due to COVID-19 and the flu if:

  • You seek treatment early.
  • Your doctor is concerned that you have a high risk for severe illness.

If you need help finding treatment, call AHD at 703.746.4988.

Parent's Corner

Young children are at higher risk of severe illness if they are infected with a respiratory illness. Help kids have a healthy, fun fall with the following steps:

1. Make an immunization plan with your child's doctor. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months and older. A medication for RSV is available for young children that can help prevent RSV infections. 

Wondering what new COVID-19 vaccines your child needs to stay up-to-date? Check out the CDC recommendations for children and adolescents.

2. Make vaccine visits less stressful with these tips from the CDC. 

3. Teach children how to wash hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. Don't forget to be a healthy role model!

4. If your child gets sick, keep them home! Check in with your child's doctor about treatment and feeling better. 

Healthy Habits

Stay Away from Germs

  • Check in on your health and CDC guidance when making plans to be around other people. You can still mask!
  • Regularly wash your hands.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to regularly practice safety.

Stay Home if You're Sick

If you think you’re sick, stay home and take a test to figure out your next steps. Keep your loved ones and children home if they are sick. 

Even though the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended, free and low cost COVID-19 tests are still available.

Stay Informed - and Spread the Word