Respiratory Viruses

RESPIRATORY VIRUSES are germs that can enter the body and cause illnesses in the respiratory system. This includes the throat, lungs, sinuses, and airways. 

Respiratory viruses are CONTAGIOUS, meaning that they can be spread from person to person. This can happen through physical contact with an infected person, through contact with a contaminated surface, or by inhaling respiratory droplets in the air. 

Common respiratory viruses that circulate during the Fall/Winter season include: 

• COVID-19
• Flu
• RSV

Anyone can catch a respiratory virus, but some people may be at greater risk for severe illness and hospitalization.

High Risk Groups include: Older adults (age 65+) Infants and young children Individuals with disabilities People who have weakened immune systems People who are pregnant or were recently pregnant 

Prevention

How can I prevent illness?

• Wash your hands often using soap & warm water
• Disinfect surfaces including high-touch areas
• Get vaccinated against common respiratory viruses
• Wear a face mask in indoor public settings
• Improve ventilation by opening windows
• Stay home if sick to avoid spreading illness

Vaccination

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of becoming sick from a respiratory virus. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations can help to keep you and your community safe by protecting against severe illness caused by respiratory viruses.

The CDC recommends vaccinations against COVID-19, Flu, and RSV to prevent serious illness this 2024-2025 Fall/Winter season.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Everyone 6 months and older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax), even if you have been vaccinated before.

You can get this vaccine anytime, as soon as vaccines are available (but at least 2 months after receiving your last COVID-19 vaccine).

This new vaccine will protect against the latest COVID-19 variants that are making people sick. Make a plan to get your updated COVID-19 vaccine with your pharmacy or healthcare provider today. *Some pharmacies and Public Health Offices may not have the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine yet.

Flu Vaccine

The CDC also recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine. This vaccine is updated annually, so you need a new vaccine every year. The best time to get vaccinated is in September or October, but some people may need to get it earlier: 

• Pregnant people in their third trimester can get the flu shot as early as July or August to protect their newborns. 
• Very young children who need two doses should get the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, with the second dose given four weeks later. 

*Some pharmacies and Public Health Offices may not have the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine yet.

RSV Vaccine

The CDC recommends one lifetime RSV immunization for

• Pregnant people OR infants age <8 months
• All infants ages 8–19 months with risk factors**
• All adults ages 75 years and older
• Adults ages 60–74 with risk factors*
• Pregnant people within 32-36 weeks gestation

Additional Vaccine Facts

It is safe to receive COVID-19, Flu, and RSV vaccines at the same time. Vaccination is crucial to prevent severe cases that might result in hospitalization or death.

*Adults age 60-74 years should get the RSV vaccine if they have certain risk factors including: Chronic cardiovascular, liver, or lung disease; Moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions; Neurological or neuromuscular conditions; Severe obesity; Diabetes; End-stage renal disease; Chronic hematologic conditions; residence in a nursing home.

**Infants >8months should get the RSV vaccine if their mother did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine. 

Find a Vaccine

NM Health Helpline: 1-833-796-8773
Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL): 1-888-677-1199