Overview
Illnesses caused by respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV can make anyone sick. However, there are a variety of risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of becoming seriously ill (severe illness). Generally, people at highest risk for severe illness from respiratory viruses are
Prevention is important
Preventing respiratory illnesses and their potentially serious complications is especially important for people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. Vaccination remains the most important tool for prevention. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is recommended for you.
Reduce risk
Seek medical attention immediately if you feel sick.
If you think you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or have tested positive for one) and have risk factors for severe illness, seek medical attention immediately for testing and/or treatment. If you have the flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment should be started a few days after symptoms begin.
older adults
As people age, their immune system can change and weaken over time, which can increase the risk of complications from respiratory diseases. Older adults are also more likely to have underlying health problems. Most deaths from respiratory viruses occur in people over 65, and the risk increases dramatically with age. For more specific information by type of respiratory illness, read more:
He Senior Care Locatora national resource funded by the Administration for Community Living, can help older adults find local vaccination clinics, connect with accessible transportation, and provide other assistance in accessing vaccines.
small children
Young children, especially babies, have immune systems that are still developing. Additionally, their lungs and airways are smaller, making viruses that affect the airways a greater threat. For more specific information by type of respiratory disease, read more:
Special considerations related to prevention and treatment.
- Masks: Children under 2 years old should not wear masks due to the risk of suffocation.
- Treatment for COVID-19: The antiviral treatment Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) for COVID-19 is not authorized for use in children under 12 years of age. Remdesivir is a treatment option for children (birth to 18 years of age weighing at least 1.5 kg) who are at high risk of severe disease. Talk to a healthcare provider about treatment options if your child develops respiratory symptoms.
- flu treatment: There are flu antiviral medications recommended by the CDC for use in children. Oseltamivir (available as a generic version or under the brand name Tamiflu®) is approved for the treatment of influenza in children 14 days and older.
People with underlying health problems.
Certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, can increase the risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory viruses. These conditions can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection or affect organs that are also affected by the respiratory disease. For more specific information by type of respiratory disease, read more:
People with weakened immune systems.
People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) have lower defenses against infections. Their bodies may have a harder time developing lasting protection against past immunizations or infections. People may be immunocompromised due to a medical condition or because they are receiving immunosuppressive medications or treatments. Examples of medical conditions or treatments that can cause moderate to severe immune compromise include, but are not limited to, cancer treatment, organ transplantation with immunosuppressive therapy, and primary immunodeficiency.
For more specific information by type of respiratory illness, read more:
when he is sick
People with weakened immune systems may take longer than average to recover from respiratory viruses. This includes a possible longer duration during which a respiratory virus can be transmitted to other people. If you are immunocompromised, keep this in mind when choosing precautions after returning to normal activities after being sick at home.
people with disabilities
Some disabilities can increase a person’s risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory viruses. For example, some people with disabilities are more likely to have underlying medical conditions, live in congregate settings, or experience factors and conditions arising from social determinants of health. For more specific information by type of respiratory disease, read more:
He Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can help people with disabilities find local vaccination clinics, connect with accessible transportation, and provide other assistance in accessing COVID-19 vaccines or scheduling a vaccination appointment.
Special considerations related to prevention and treatment.
- Masks: Some people with disabilities may find it difficult to wear a mask. When considering the use of a mask, people with disabilities or their caregivers may consider the person’s ability to wear a mask correctly (proper size and fit), avoid frequent contact of the mask and face, and remove the mask without assistance. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or people who spend time with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, clear masks or masks with transparent panels are an option.
- Work with support providers: People with disabilities who have direct support providers can also help protect themselves from respiratory viruses. For example, ask direct support providers if they are experiencing any symptoms or have other reasons to believe they might have a respiratory virus. Ask direct service providers to use basic and additional prevention strategies, such as taking steps to achieve the cleanest air possible to reduce the amount of viruses in indoor areas, practicing good hygiene, or wearing a well-fitting mask.
Pregnancy
Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy can increase the risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory viruses. Additionally, while vaccines received during pregnancy can provide protection to the pregnant woman, they can also help reduce the risk to the baby after birth. For more specific information by type of infection, read more:
Treatment during pregnancy
- COVID-19 antivirals They are recommended for people at high risk for serious illness, including adults age 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, people with certain medical conditions, and pregnant women. Is not recommended suspend treatment with COVID-19 of pregnant or lactating women due to theoretical safety concerns. For more information on treating COVID-19 in pregnant women, see IDSA’s guidelines on how to start remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid).
- Flu antivirals They are recommended for certain people at high risk for flu complications, including pregnant women.
- To learn more about whether treatment is right for you, talk to a healthcare provider.
