Summer always passes too quickly, and one day you wake up to a chill in the air. Yet, the colder weather is not just a sign of fall – it also signals the start of respiratory season.

Respiratory season refers to a time of year when respiratory illnesses – like the common cold, COVID-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – have higher rates of transmission and infection. During a typical respiratory season, rates of infection rise in the fall, peak through the winter, then dwindle in the spring. But in some years rates of infection have spiked as early as July and lasted well into May.

The good news is there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the spread of respiratory viruses, including getting vaccinated. Read on to learn more about respiratory season and how to stay healthy all the way through to spring.

Even though you may have already been vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu in previous years, it’s important to receive the current year’s updated vaccines before every respiratory season. Viruses change from one season to the next, which can make previous vaccines ineffective against the current strain.

It’s never too late to receive the vaccines for COVID-19, flu or RSV, but the CDC recommends getting them in September and October.

At HealthPartners, we recognize the power and importance of vaccines. That’s why we make vaccination appointments easy to fit into the whole family’s busy schedule, and provide a wealth of resources at your fingertips.

And while getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others during respiratory season, there are other steps you can take to reduce the spread of viruses.

• Wash your hands frequently – It’s hard to say how many surfaces we touch throughout the day, and that’s why we spread the most germs with our hands. When you touch your face without washing your hands, germs are transferred onto the skin around your mouth, nose and eyes, allowing viruses to get into your body.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely – Doorknobs, kitchen counters, bathroom fixtures, light switches; these places in the home can collect a lot of germs because of how often we touch them. During respiratory season, you may want to clean and disinfect these surfaces more often, and especially after having visitors to your home.
• Limit visitors if you have a baby at home – Babies aren’t born with a strong immune system; it takes time to develop. This is why newborns are more susceptible to infectious diseases, and are more likely to become seriously ill from them. Vaccines are incredibly important to protect infants and children. Make sure you are keeping up with your child’s vaccination schedule, and set boundaries that you feel comfortable with around family and friends visiting.
• Avoid indoor crowds when you can, or wear a mask – With most events taking place indoors during respiratory season, it can be hard to avoid crowds. It’s up to you to decide your comfort level with crowded spaces – how packed is too packed, and when it’s time to put on a mask or leave.
• Stay home when you’re sick – To avoid spreading germs, stay home and away from others when you’re experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness. You can resume normal activities if you have been fever free for 24 hours (without using medication) and your symptoms are improving.