Protecting Yourself and Others from Respiratory Viruses: Video Tips from Infectious Disease Experts
Featured Experts
Updated December, 26, 2025
Each year, millions of people are hospitalized due to respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and those that cause COVID-19 and influenza. In the following videos, Johns Hopkins infectious disease experts offer tips to avoid contracting or spreading these viruses.
Identifying Symptoms of Common Respiratory Illnesses
Everyone can get a respiratory virus, but some people, including very young children, older adults, and people with comorbidities, are at higher risk for obtaining and having complications from these viruses.
Respiratory Virus Season: Who Is Most at Risk of Complications?
If symptoms prove to be caused by a respiratory illness, resting at home with fluids and proper medications are vital to recovery. From there, it’s best to exercise a little patience before resuming normal activities.
When Is It Safe to Go Back to Work or School After Being Sick?
Whether you’ve recently recovered from a respiratory virus or managed to stay clear this season, preventing the spread of a virus is something everyone can practice. It is especially important during peak virus season in the winter months.
