Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Illness – Public Health Madison & Dane County

Use the following recommendations from CDC to help protect yourself and our community from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Improving ventilation can reduce the number of virus particles in the air. Circulating fresh outdoor or filtered air indoors helps keep virus particles from concentrating inside. Do this by:

Learn more about steps to take if you are sick with symptoms of respiratory illness.

Take these steps to further protect yourself and those around you from getting sick from respiratory viruses. Using the following methods is particularly important when:

When possible, do not go near someone who has respiratory illness symptoms. Try to avoid crowded areas where you may not be able to maintain physical distance.

Testing can help you determine if you are currently infected with a respiratory virus and make choices for what to do next. If youare at a greater risk of getting seriously sick, testing right away when you feel sick can help you determine if you should talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Rapid tests, such as at-home COVID tests, can be used for screening before attending gatherings. We have free tests at our East Washington and Atrium locations, while supplies last. You can also buy tests online or in stores.

Many at-home COVID tests had their expiration dates extended; check this FDA list to see the new expiration dates.

Community organizations and facilities should encourage their staff and visitors to use the above prevention strategies. Below are some additional steps your facility can use to help protect our community:

Outbreaks of respiratory illnesses at your site should be reported to us. See our Disease Reporting page for more information.

Check out the CDCs Respiratory Virus Guidance FAQs if you, your staff, clients, or patrons have more questions.

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Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Illness - Public Health Madison & Dane County