As physicians and healthcare providers at Johns Hopkins Medicine prepare for cold and flu season, they are available to discuss steps that people can take to reduce the risk of illness from common respiratory viruses that cause the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. 

Here is what experts want people to keep in mind this cold and flu season: 

Vaccines for common viruses are available 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that most people age 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Vaccination before the end of October is ideal, but later in the flu season, which often peaks between December and February, still offers protection. The flu vaccines take about two weeks to help train your body to recognize and respond to influenza. Now is also a good time to stay up to date with other vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and RSV.

When it comes to the flu vaccine, different options are available. Similar to other viruses, vaccine types and dosing may vary based on a person’s age, their underlying health conditions, risks for severe illness and their personal preferences. 

People should bring specific questions or concerns to a healthcare provider, but here is general guidance for: 

Influenza, the virus that causes the flu 

• Most people ages 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot. 
• Children 6 months to 8 years should get one or two doses.  
• Children 9 years and older should get one. 

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID

Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends all individuals 6 months and older receive the 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine.

• Different vaccine options are available for children and adults. 
• Children ages 6 months–23 months should get at least one to two doses. 
• Adults 19 to 64 can receive an annual vaccine with an option for a second dose six months after their annual vaccine. 
• Adults 65 and older should receive an annual vaccine and a second dose six months later.
• People of different ages may receive personalized guidance about dosing and the type of vaccine they should receive. 

Vaccination is especially important for these groups: 

• Adults 65 and older 
• People with increased risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as adults with underlying immune conditions 
• People who live in long-term care residencies
• People who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
• People who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy 
• Children ages 6 months–23 months 

Respiratory syncytial virus, the virus that causes RSV 

• People who are pregnant should get an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect their baby after giving birth.
• Long-acting RSV antibodies are recommended for infants between ages 8 months and 18 months.
• An additional immunization is recommended for infants before 8 months if the person who was pregnant with the child did not have a vaccine during pregnancy or before 14 days of giving birth.
• One-time vaccines are recommended for adults 50–74 at risk for severe infections.
• Adults 75 and older should receive a one-time single dose of an RSV vaccine. 

Take steps to reduce the risk of infection

• Use good hand-washing practices, such as washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t an option. 
• If possible, plan activities with large groups of people outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
• Wear a well-fitted mask when in a crowded indoor setting or when around people who are sick. 
• Sneeze or cough into an elbow when around other people. 
• Stay away from people if you become sick, and avoid being around people who are sick, if possible. 
• Stay hydrated, and prioritize getting adequate sleep to support immune function. 

Treatments can alleviate symptoms and shorten illness 

• Antiviral medications for the flu are available for people of all ages, including infants and adults, and work best when taken within two days of illness. 
• Antiviral medications are available for COVID-19, including for children and adults, and work best when taken within five to seven days of symptoms. 
• Most RSV symptoms are mild and will resolve within a week or two. 
• Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat pain and reduce fevers for all three viruses, but children and teens should take acetaminophen (not aspirin). 
• People with severe illness and/or complications from the flu, COVID-19 or RSV may require additional care, including breathing assistance, extra hydration and other medications to support recovery.

There are tests to help detect the type of infection a person has, which can inform treatment decisions. If a person experiences persistent illness or severe symptoms, they should seek medical care. 

Additional resources: 

Winter Illness Guide
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/winter-illness-guide 

Protect Yourself and Others from Respiratory Viruses 
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/protecting-yourself-from-respiratory-viruses

Media: 

Experts from the Johns Hopkins Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control and the Division of Infectious Diseases are available to participate in media interviews. 

To request an interview with an expert to discuss cold and flu topics for adults, please email Jessica Frost at [email protected]. 

To request an interview with an expert to discuss cold and flu topics for children, please email Kim Polyniak at [email protected] or Paige Acevedo at [email protected].