7 Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Triple-threat: The flu, COVID-19, and RSV

According to the CDC, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all highly contagious viral infections that affect the respiratory system. Symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all slightly similar but they are caused by three very different viruses.

Each of these viruses can be spread through exposure to a contaminated surface or respiratory droplets that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

What are the symptoms of the flu vs. COVID-19 vs. RSV

Symptoms of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 can be similar. Our symptom tracker (based on information from the Mayo Clinic) can help guide you this season.

How bad is the flu, COVID-19, and RSV anyway?

All three of these viruses can be more severe than the common cold for some people. In fact, the CDC notes that out of 9 million influenza cases in the 2021-2022 season, there were 4 million flu-related medical visits, 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 5,000 flu-related deaths.

The numbers are even more dismal for COVID-19 and RSV. 2022 witnessed over 2 million COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 244,000 COVID-19-related deaths in the United States.

RSV accounts for around 100-500 deaths, 57,000 hospitalizations, 500,000 ER visits, and 1.5 million outpatient clinic visits in children under 5 years old each year according to the CDC. Additionally, the CDC reports 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths associated with RSV in those 65 years and older each year.

How to Not Get the Flu: Prevention Tips

Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is very important for preventing illness and severe cases, but it's not the only tool in the anti-virus toolbox. According to the CDC, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick and stop the spread of these viruses by following the same steps:

1. Avoid spending time with people who are sick

2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as much as possible

3. Use hand sanitizer if washing your hands is not available

4. Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands

5. Sanitize your home and workspace environments by disinfecting surfaces (especially handles, knobs, and light switches)

6. Sanitize personal items, such as your cell phone and car keys

You may still be avoiding crowded public places (and wearing a mask if you can’t avoid them)—these practices can also help you lower your risk of contracting the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. If you choose to wear a mask in public places, the CDC recommends that you choose a high-quality mask that fits over your nose and mouth (like an N95 or KN95).

Flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and the RSV vaccine offer more protection

If you are interested in fully protecting yourself from these respiratory viruses, the CDC notes that getting your annual flu shot and a COVID-19 booster. These immunizations are like putting on a coat of protective armor—they don’t completely guarantee that you won’t get sick, but they can greatly reduce your chances. In fact, the CDC reports that an annual flu shot can drop your chances of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent. Studies published in The Lancet detail how COVID-19 immunizations saved tens of millions of lives globally in 2021, and continue to save lives today.

When should I get a flu shot and COVID-19 booster?

According to the CDC, it takes a couple of weeks for the body to develop antibodies after you receive an immunization. Therefore, the CDC recommends you and your family members start getting your fall immunizations by the end of October at the latest. Some children between the ages of six months and eight years may require more than one dose of the flu shot and COVID-19 series for optimal protection—each of which should be received at least four weeks apart.

The CDC notes that getting your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time is perfectly safe. Check out our guide to fall vaccines for more information on the immunizations offered for the 2024-2025 flu season.

Who should get the new RSV vaccine?

There are new RSV immunizations that are now FDA-approved and recommended by the CDC for certain people—these include:

• Adults over the age of 60

• Infants younger than 8 months who are going into their first RSV season

• Children between 8 and 19 months who were born prematurely or have heart or lung conditions

• Women who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant

Where should I get my fall immunizations?

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about where to get a flu shot or COVID-19 booster because walk-in retail clinics and urgent care centers are stocked and usually able to vaccinate you immediately and without advanced notice. You can also schedule a visit with your regular medical provider. It might be a good idea to call ahead of time just to make sure that there are vaccines on hand, wherever you choose to go. If you’re interested in a list of places to look for free immunizations, check out our guide to finding free flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.

How much do the flu shot, COVID-19 booster, and RSV immunization cost?

Understanding the costs associated with vaccinations is crucial for making informed health decisions about ways to prevent the flu. In this section, we will explore the financial aspects of three important immunizations: the flu shot, COVID-19 booster, and RSV immunization. By examining the costs, insurance coverage options, and potential out-of-pocket expenses, we aim to provide clarity on what individuals can expect when seeking these essential vaccines.

• Flu shot cost: According to GoodRx, flu shots typically range in price between $0 and $50 without health insurance, but it’s possible flu shots cost more in some regions. The price of a flu shot is often based on factors including provider rates, the provider’s geographical location, and the type of vaccine given. Many public health departments, employers, and pharmacies offer free or low cost immunizations, including the influenza vaccine, according to GetMyFluShot.org.

• COVID-19 booster cost: At the time of this publication, the COVID-19 boosters are still covered by the United States Government, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. However, this may change in the future. Solv will be monitoring this information for changes and will update this information as needed.

• RSV immunization cost: Your out-of-pocket costs when it comes to the new RSV immunization will depend a lot on your health insurance coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the new RSV immunization will be free to many people because it falls under preventive care covered under the ACA. This means that anyone with a private insurance plan, or government-sponsored insurance plan like ACA, Medicaid, or Medicare will be able to get the immunization for free. However, those who are uninsured may see a price tag ranging from $180 to $295, according to KFF.

Learn more with our guide on how to get a free flu shot, COVID-19 booster, and RSV vaccines.

What to Do if You Get Sick? Cold and Flu Season Tips

If you do fall victim to one of these viruses, all is not lost. Medical providers at urgent care and retail clinics may be able to prescribe you medications such as antivirals or steroids that can help your body fight off your illness faster, according to the Mayo Clinic.

For COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC notes that if you are in good health you will likely be able to defeat the illness on your own—but antiviral drugs like Tamiflu or Paxlovid may still be valuable because they may make you less likely to pass the virus on to others who may be more vulnerable (like young children, the elderly, or people with chronic medical conditions).

According to the CDC, antiviral medications are most effective and useful when they are taken as soon as possible after you fall ill, so make sure to head into an urgent care center or retail clinic if you begin having symptoms of the flu or COVID-19.

Other ways you can support your recovery from a respiratory virus include:

• Rest as much as possible

• Manage your fever and body aches with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

• Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration

• Talk to your healthcare provider about using other nonprescription medications

• Use saline nose solution for nasal congestion

• Use a cool mist humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to help loosen congestion

While immunizations are highly recommended, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable to sickness, it’s important to remember the practices and additional options available to you to make sure that you’re doing all you can to prevent yourself from catching a respiratory virus.