Respiratory Illness Season Resource Center: Flu, COVID-19, RSV | VMFH
Source: https://www.vmfh.org/content/vmfhorg/en/our-services/flu-resource-center
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:28
Respiratory Illness Season Resource Center: Flu, COVID-19, RSV | VMFH
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Respiratory Illness Season Resource Center: Help Prevent and Protect Against Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
Protect yourself and others against respiratory illnesses. The following resources are intended to help you safeguard yourself and your family, identify symptoms, and seek care if needed.
The good news is that many of the same behaviors can help protect people from all three viruses, plus many others that may be circulating and have similar symptoms.
2025-2026 flu season update
An annual flu shot significantly reduces the risk of flu and the potential severity of flu symptoms and complications. Experts recommend getting vaccinated by the end of October. If you have questions about the 2025-2026 flu season, please visit the
CDC website
or ask your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health care team.
Flu vaccine information
Flu vaccines (shots) for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patients are available as a part of a scheduled visit with your primary care team or visit a retail pharmacy near you.
Schedule primary care appointments:
Flu vaccines (shots) for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patients are available as a part of a scheduled visit with your primary care team. Please ask ahead of time to make sure there is enough supply. Schedule an appointment with a
primary care provider
today and choose from a wide variety of convenient locations throughout Washington state.
Retail pharmacies:
Find a
flu vaccine location
.
Respiratory illness information
Influenza (flu)
is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. People 65 years and older, young children, pregnant people, and
people with certain health conditions
are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu infection.
How it spreads:
Flu can spread by breathing in droplets carrying virus from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu may also spread by people touching a contaminated surface or object that has flu virus on it, then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Treatment:
Flu can be treated
with antiviral drugs your doctor can prescribe when illness is caught early.
COVID-19
is still circulating in communities and can still cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
People with certain medical conditions
are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Everyone should prepare for potential increases through the fall and winter and take preventive action to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.
How it spreads:
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch.
Testing and treatment:
If you or a loved one have a fever, cough or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, we recommend that you schedule a Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
virtual urgent care
visit today, visit one of our
Urgent and Walk-in Care clinics
, or contact your primary care provider to be assessed for COVID-19. At-home testing kits are also available at local retail pharmacies.
Learn more about testing for COVID-19
.
If you test positive for COVID-19,
treatments
are available and should be taken early. The FDA has authorized certain antiviral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
is a common virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms like cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever. It can also cause wheezing. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially in babies and children under 5 years old and in older adults. Severe infections can include bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs). RSV can also worsen conditions like asthma. RSV can be prevented by
vaccination
in older adults, vaccination in
pregnant
people, and by preventive
antibodies
in neonates and infants during their first two RSV seasons.
How it spreads:
RSV can be
spread
through coughs, sneezes, direct contact with the virus (like kissing the face of a child with RSV), and touching contaminated surfaces.
Treatment:
While there’s no specific treatment for RSV infection, you can take over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Talk to your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines. Call your health care provider or visit one of our Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Urgent Care clinics
if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
Get ready for seasonal viruses: Respiratory illness prevention
With kids returning to school—and the inevitable exposure to germs and other viruses that circulate indoors—it’s time to think about cold and flu season. This year, get a jump on viruses with pre-planning and preparation. While influenza and other viruses can be inconvenient for some people, they can mean severe illness or complications for others, so stay aware and informed to keep everyone in your family healthy.
Though there is no vaccine for the common cold, there is a yearly vaccine for the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November before flu season is in full swing.
Anyone with a chronic health condition should be especially vigilant about getting vaccinated. In 2023, the CDC estimates that over 44,900 people died from flu complications, so prevention is critical for
anyone at high risk
, such as individuals with asthma, diabetes or heart disease, pregnant people, and everyone 65 and older.
Certain groups should not get the flu shot:
Children under the age of 6 months
Anyone severely allergic to ingredient(s) in the flu vaccine
Anyone with a history of allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine
If you have an allergy to an ingredient in the flu vaccine or a reaction to a previous flu vaccine, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
See the section above where to get your flu vaccine.
More flu resources:
Flu Guide for Parents (CDC)
Flu Guide for Pregnancy (CDC)
About Vaccines and Pregnancy (CDC)
If you’re ill and need medical attention, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has
primary care
,
women’s care
and
urgent care
clinic locations throughout the Puget Sound. And if it’s after hours,
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Virtual Urgent Care
is just a call or click away.
Visit
cdc.gov/flu
for more information on influenza (flu).
Read more about what the CDC and Washington Department of Health recommend for who should receive the RSV vaccine and when.
Adults 50 years old and over
Routine, one-time RSV vaccination of all previously unvaccinated adults age 75 years and older, and vaccination of adults age 50–74 years with specific risk conditions only.
Adult RSV vaccination can be obtained from community pharmacy retail sites.
Infants and young children
Newborn babies may be vaccinated before being discharged from their birth center, or at their routine pediatrician appointment post discharge.
1 dose of nirsevimab for all infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season.
1 dose of nirsevimab for infants and children 8–19 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
Note:
A different monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, is limited to children under 24 months of age with certain conditions that place them at high risk for severe RSV disease. It must be given once a month during RSV season. Please see
AAP guidelines for palivizumab
.
Pregnant people
1 dose of maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, administered immediately before or during RSV season at a routine prenatal care visit. Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine recommended during pregnancy.
Keep your immune system strong all year
In addition to getting vaccinated, keeping your immune system strong throughout the year will help stave off viruses. Practical approaches to building your immune system include:
Eating a healthy diet:
A nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep your body strong, including your immune system.
Moving more:
Regular exercise keeps our bodies in good shape to help fight viruses.
Managing your stress:
Deep breathing, journaling, prayer, being with friends, going for a walk—you have many options to prevent stress from wreaking havoc on your immune system and opening the door to infection.
Practicing good hygiene:
Wash hands often and correctly, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds or to the tune of two rounds of “Happy Birthday.” Carry and use hand sanitizer.
Getting enough rest:
Sleep helps your immune system fight off viruses.
Staying hydrated:
Approximately two-thirds of your body weight is water, necessary for all the cells in your body—and your immune system— to function correctly. So be sure to drink at least 9 cups of water a day for women or 13 for men, and more if you sweat a lot.
Wearing a mask:
You may choose to wear a mask to protect yourself and others if you are sick or if a seasonal virus could cause you to develop a serious illness. If you’re caring for a sick person, ask them to wear a mask, too, so the virus doesn’t spread to you or the people around you.
Not sure which vaccines your family needs this year? Ask a
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health primary care or family medicine physician
.
Get your COVID-19 vaccine
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinics across the Puget Sound offer the COVID-19 vaccine to protect you and your family. You may request a COVID-19 vaccine during a pre-scheduled appointment with your primary care provider. Vaccines are also available at many local retail pharmacies across Washington.
The CDC recommends vaccination to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone aged 6 months and older in the United States, and are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations.
Consult the
Washington State Department of Health
for up-to-date information on COVID-19 community transmission, current strains, and preventive vaccination.
Experiencing higher call volume/longer wait time. We’re sorry for delays & appreciate your patience |
Privacy Incidents-NorthGauge/Pinnacle & Access Information
Respiratory Illness Season Resource Center: Help Prevent and Protect Against Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
Protect yourself and others against respiratory illnesses. The following resources are intended to help you safeguard yourself and your family, identify symptoms, and seek care if needed.
The good news is that many of the same behaviors can help protect people from all three viruses, plus many others that may be circulating and have similar symptoms.
2025-2026 flu season update
An annual flu shot significantly reduces the risk of flu and the potential severity of flu symptoms and complications. Experts recommend getting vaccinated by the end of October. If you have questions about the 2025-2026 flu season, please visit the
CDC website
or ask your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health care team.
Flu vaccine information
Flu vaccines (shots) for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patients are available as a part of a scheduled visit with your primary care team or visit a retail pharmacy near you.
Schedule primary care appointments:
Flu vaccines (shots) for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patients are available as a part of a scheduled visit with your primary care team. Please ask ahead of time to make sure there is enough supply. Schedule an appointment with a
primary care provider
today and choose from a wide variety of convenient locations throughout Washington state.
Retail pharmacies:
Find a
flu vaccine location
.
Respiratory illness information
Influenza (flu)
is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. People 65 years and older, young children, pregnant people, and
people with certain health conditions
are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu infection.
How it spreads:
Flu can spread by breathing in droplets carrying virus from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu may also spread by people touching a contaminated surface or object that has flu virus on it, then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Treatment:
Flu can be treated
with antiviral drugs your doctor can prescribe when illness is caught early.
COVID-19
is still circulating in communities and can still cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
People with certain medical conditions
are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Everyone should prepare for potential increases through the fall and winter and take preventive action to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.
How it spreads:
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch.
Testing and treatment:
If you or a loved one have a fever, cough or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, we recommend that you schedule a Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
virtual urgent care
visit today, visit one of our
Urgent and Walk-in Care clinics
, or contact your primary care provider to be assessed for COVID-19. At-home testing kits are also available at local retail pharmacies.
Learn more about testing for COVID-19
.
If you test positive for COVID-19,
treatments
are available and should be taken early. The FDA has authorized certain antiviral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
is a common virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms like cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever. It can also cause wheezing. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially in babies and children under 5 years old and in older adults. Severe infections can include bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs). RSV can also worsen conditions like asthma. RSV can be prevented by
vaccination
in older adults, vaccination in
pregnant
people, and by preventive
antibodies
in neonates and infants during their first two RSV seasons.
How it spreads:
RSV can be
spread
through coughs, sneezes, direct contact with the virus (like kissing the face of a child with RSV), and touching contaminated surfaces.
Treatment:
While there’s no specific treatment for RSV infection, you can take over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Talk to your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines. Call your health care provider or visit one of our Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Urgent Care clinics
if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
Get ready for seasonal viruses: Respiratory illness prevention
With kids returning to school—and the inevitable exposure to germs and other viruses that circulate indoors—it’s time to think about cold and flu season. This year, get a jump on viruses with pre-planning and preparation. While influenza and other viruses can be inconvenient for some people, they can mean severe illness or complications for others, so stay aware and informed to keep everyone in your family healthy.
Though there is no vaccine for the common cold, there is a yearly vaccine for the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November before flu season is in full swing.
Anyone with a chronic health condition should be especially vigilant about getting vaccinated. In 2023, the CDC estimates that over 44,900 people died from flu complications, so prevention is critical for
anyone at high risk
, such as individuals with asthma, diabetes or heart disease, pregnant people, and everyone 65 and older.
Certain groups should not get the flu shot:
Children under the age of 6 months
Anyone severely allergic to ingredient(s) in the flu vaccine
Anyone with a history of allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine
If you have an allergy to an ingredient in the flu vaccine or a reaction to a previous flu vaccine, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
See the section above where to get your flu vaccine.
More flu resources:
Flu Guide for Parents (CDC)
Flu Guide for Pregnancy (CDC)
About Vaccines and Pregnancy (CDC)
If you’re ill and need medical attention, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has
primary care
,
women’s care
and
urgent care
clinic locations throughout the Puget Sound. And if it’s after hours,
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Virtual Urgent Care
is just a call or click away.
Visit
cdc.gov/flu
for more information on influenza (flu).
Read more about what the CDC and Washington Department of Health recommend for who should receive the RSV vaccine and when.
Adults 50 years old and over
Routine, one-time RSV vaccination of all previously unvaccinated adults age 75 years and older, and vaccination of adults age 50–74 years with specific risk conditions only.
Adult RSV vaccination can be obtained from community pharmacy retail sites.
Infants and young children
Newborn babies may be vaccinated before being discharged from their birth center, or at their routine pediatrician appointment post discharge.
1 dose of nirsevimab for all infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season.
1 dose of nirsevimab for infants and children 8–19 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
Note:
A different monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, is limited to children under 24 months of age with certain conditions that place them at high risk for severe RSV disease. It must be given once a month during RSV season. Please see
AAP guidelines for palivizumab
.
Pregnant people
1 dose of maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, administered immediately before or during RSV season at a routine prenatal care visit. Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine recommended during pregnancy.
Keep your immune system strong all year
In addition to getting vaccinated, keeping your immune system strong throughout the year will help stave off viruses. Practical approaches to building your immune system include:
Eating a healthy diet:
A nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep your body strong, including your immune system.
Moving more:
Regular exercise keeps our bodies in good shape to help fight viruses.
Managing your stress:
Deep breathing, journaling, prayer, being with friends, going for a walk—you have many options to prevent stress from wreaking havoc on your immune system and opening the door to infection.
Practicing good hygiene:
Wash hands often and correctly, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds or to the tune of two rounds of “Happy Birthday.” Carry and use hand sanitizer.
Getting enough rest:
Sleep helps your immune system fight off viruses.
Staying hydrated:
Approximately two-thirds of your body weight is water, necessary for all the cells in your body—and your immune system— to function correctly. So be sure to drink at least 9 cups of water a day for women or 13 for men, and more if you sweat a lot.
Wearing a mask:
You may choose to wear a mask to protect yourself and others if you are sick or if a seasonal virus could cause you to develop a serious illness. If you’re caring for a sick person, ask them to wear a mask, too, so the virus doesn’t spread to you or the people around you.
Not sure which vaccines your family needs this year? Ask a
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health primary care or family medicine physician
.
Get your COVID-19 vaccine
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinics across the Puget Sound offer the COVID-19 vaccine to protect you and your family. You may request a COVID-19 vaccine during a pre-scheduled appointment with your primary care provider. Vaccines are also available at many local retail pharmacies across Washington.
The CDC recommends vaccination to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone aged 6 months and older in the United States, and are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations.
Consult the
Washington State Department of Health
for up-to-date information on COVID-19 community transmission, current strains, and preventive vaccination.