7 tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season

This article is updated for the 2025–2026 flu season.

By now you’re probably expecting to hear about getting another COVID-19 booster along with your flu shot. But what you may not have heard is that the updated RSV vaccine recommendations have expanded—and some people may now need all three vaccines this fall. After last year’s triple wave of flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases, the FDA and CDC have adjusted guidance to help vulnerable people better protect themselves.

Getting caught up on your immunizations isn’t the only thing you can do to stay healthy during the winter respiratory season. Since flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all viruses that spread through respiratory droplets, many of the same prevention strategies apply. Here’s everything you need to know for the 2025–26 season—especially if you’re still on the fence about vaccines or unsure what’s changed.

Triple-threat: The flu, COVID-19, and RSV

According to the CDC, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all highly contagious viral infections that affect the respiratory system. Symptoms may be similar across all three, but they’re caused by different viruses—and that matters when it comes to testing and treatment.

Each virus can be spread through contaminated surfaces or airborne respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking.

What are the symptoms of the flu vs. COVID-19 vs. RSV?

Symptoms often overlap. Here’s a quick comparison based on clinical data:

How bad are flu, COVID-19, and RSV in 2025?

These viruses are more than just a nuisance. For many people—especially young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions—they can be dangerous.

• Flu: In recent years, flu seasons have led to millions of infections and tens of thousands of hospitalizations. The 2021–22 season saw 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, according to the CDC.

• COVID-19: Although hospitalizations are lower than at pandemic peak, COVID-19 remains a serious illness. In 2022 alone, there were over 244,000 deaths and 2 million hospitalizations in the U.S.

• RSV: RSV remains especially dangerous for:

  • Children under 5: ~500 deaths, 57,000 hospitalizations annually

  • Adults 65+: ~14,000 deaths and 177,000 hospitalizations each year

7 Tips to Stay Healthy This Season

1. Stay up to date on your vaccinations

Vaccines remain your best protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

• Flu shot: Recommended for everyone over 6 months. New trivalent vaccines target the major circulating strains for 2025–26.

• COVID-19 booster: pdated vaccines are recommended for adults 65+ and individuals with high-risk conditions. Children and healthy adults under 65 may be eligible in consultation with a healthcare provider. Moderna’s Spikevax is approved for at-risk children 6 months and older.

• RSV vaccine: Newly expanded guidance includes:

  • Adults 75+

  • Adults 60–74 with certain health conditions

  • High-risk adults ages 50–59

  • Pregnant women (32–36 weeks gestation)

  • Infants via maternal vaccination or nirsevimab antibody treatment

When to schedule: Get your vaccines by the end of October to ensure protection by peak virus season. It’s safe to get the flu shot, COVID-19 booster, and RSV vaccine at the same visit (if eligible), per CDC guidelines.

2. Avoid sick contacts and crowds when possible

Respiratory viruses thrive in close quarters. Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick can significantly reduce your chances of infection.

3. Wash your hands frequently

Handwashing with soap and warm water is a highly effective way to reduce the spread of flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.

4. Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly

Doorknobs, countertops, light switches, phones, and car keys are all hotspots for germs. Keep disinfectant wipes or sprays on hand for frequent cleaning.

5. Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces

Wearing a high-quality mask (N95 or KN95) in places like airports, buses, schools, or clinics can help you avoid breathing in infected particles.

6. Know where to get tested and treated

Rapid testing helps confirm whether your symptoms are flu, COVID-19, or RSV—each of which has specific treatments:

• COVID-19: Paxlovid (oral antiviral), best if started within 5 days

• Flu: Tamiflu or similar antivirals, ideally within 48 hours

• RSV: Mostly supportive care, but early medical attention helps high-risk groups

Visit an urgent care or retail clinic promptly if symptoms start.

7. Recover responsibly if you get sick

If you do fall ill:

• Rest and hydrate

• Use OTC meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

• Try nasal saline or humidifiers for congestion

• Stay home to protect others—especially those at higher risk

Antivirals are most effective when started early, so don’t delay seeking care.

Preventing illness this winter doesn’t have to be complicated: Vaccinate, wash up, mask up if needed, and treat symptoms early. These small habits can help you and your loved ones stay healthy through the 2025–26 flu, COVID-19, and RSV season.