Infectious diseases are caused by germs — viruses, bacteria or other pathogenic microbes. Germs that can infect the respiratory system — lungs, throat, airways — can often be spread through mucus and saliva (also known as "respiratory secretions") expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, talks or laughs. Some of these germs are spread through droplets small enough to remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances. Another person can become ill when they inhale these microbes or when the microbes contact their mucous membranes. More often, germs are spread through larger droplets that don't remain suspended in the air and travel only short distances (less than three feet). Another person can become infected when they touch secretions remaining on a surface or on someone's hands, or through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing eating utensils or drinking from the same glass.

Transmission of infectious respiratory diseases from one person to another can be greatly reduced by taking the following precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water — it is one of the most effective ways to reduce spread of illness. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Minimize close contact with sick people.
• Get immunized. A number of infectious respiratory diseases, such as flu, measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough, are vaccine-preventable.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• When you are ill, allow a few feet of distance from others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue but not your hand.
• When you are ill, you may also wear a surgical-type mask when around others.

In the case of water-droplet aerosolized pathogens, such as those that cause Legionnaires' disease, environmental controls (such as disinfection and in-depth cleaning) and engineering alternatives (such as special air-handling and ventilation systems) might be needed to help reduce transmission.

Diseases that can infect the respiratory system include:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Coronavirus infections (including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV)
• Diphtheria
• Group A streptococcus
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Influenza (flu)
• Legionnaires' disease
• Measles (rubeola)
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• Mumps
• Pneumonia
• Pneumococcal meningitis
• Rubella (German measles)
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
• Tuberculosis
• Whooping cough (pertussis)

A number of less common infectious diseases that may result in respiratory illness are animal-borne (zoonotic), including:

• Anthrax
• Brucellosis
• Hantavirus
• Psittacosis
• Plague
• Q Fever
• Tularemia

Covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and COVID-19. Germs can be easily spread by:

• Coughing, sneezing, or talking
• Touching your face with unwashed hands after touching contaminated surfaces or objects
• Touching surfaces or objects that may be frequently touched by other people

To help stop the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Throw used tissues in the trash
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands

Remember to immediately wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting sick, especially at key times when you are likely to get and spread germs.

Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands are especially important for infection control measures in healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, doctor’s offices, and clinics.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands

To help prevent the spread of respiratory disease, you can also avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school when possible.

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The virus spreads mainly by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters, and possibly through tiny droplets from infected people that get into the air after they breathe or talk, for example. Symptoms of chickenpox include an itchy rash, fever, and tiredness. The disease can be serious – even fatal – especially for babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system. The best protection against chickenpox is two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, the symptoms are usually milder with fewer or no blisters (they may have just red spots) and mild or no fever.

Key Facts

• Chickenpox is a very contagious disease that is caused by varicella zoster virus.
• The classic symptom of chickenpox is a blister-like rash. You can have between 250 and 500 blisters all over your body.
• Before the vaccine was available, about 4 million people in the United States would get chickenpox each year.
• You can still get chickenpox if you have been vaccinated; however, the symptoms are usually milder, with fewer or no blisters (sometimes just red spots) and mild or no fever.
• CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine. If you previously got one dose, make sure to get a second one.

Chickenpox Transmission

It takes from 10 to 21 days after exposure to a person with chickenpox or shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash, until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs.

Chickenpox Can Be Serious

Complications from chickenpox include infection of skin and soft tissues underneath, pneumonia, infection or inflammation of the brain, bleeding problems, and dehydration. Some people may be at high risk for complications, including infants, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system. Complications are not as common in otherwise healthy people who get chickenpox but can happen.

How It Spreads

The virus spreads mainly by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters, and possibly through tiny droplets from infected people that get into the air after they breathe or talk, for example.

If You Get Chickenpox

Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths can help relieve an itchy chickenpox rash. Keep fingernails trimmed short to help prevent skin infections caused by scratching blisters. For fever, you can use non-aspirin medication, such as acetaminophen. Call a doctor if you’re at risk for severe chickenpox or you’re concerned about your symptoms.

The Link to Shingles

After you recover from chickenpox, the virus that causes this disease stays in your body. Later in life, the virus can reactive and cause shingles. If you have shingles, you can spread the virus to people who have never had chickenpox or never got the chickenpox vaccine. These people will develop chickenpox, not shingles.

Prevention Tips

• Chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing severe disease, complications, and death.
• Children, adolescents, and adults should get two doses of the chickenpox vaccine.
  • Children should get the first dose of chickenpox vaccine at 12 through 15 months old and a second dose at 4 through 6 years old.
  • People 13 years and older who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart. If you previously got one dose, make sure to get your second one.
• When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your community. This is especially important for people who cannot get vaccinated, such as those with a weakened immune system, babies less than 12 months old, or pregnant women.
• Some people should wait to get vaccinated or should not get vaccinated at all. This includes pregnant women and those with a severely weakened immune system.
• Talk to your doctor if you have questions about chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.

Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but it is possible to get a cold any time of the year. Symptoms usually include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches. Most people recover within about 7-10 days. However, people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or conditions that affect the lungs and breathing passages may develop serious illness, such as pneumonia. Common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Each year in the United States, millions of people get the common cold. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more.

Key Facts

• Every year, adults have an average of 2–3 colds, and children have even more.
• Many viruses can cause colds, but rhinoviruses are most common. Infections spread through the air and close personal contact.
• There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Symptoms of a cold usually include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches.
• To reduce your risk of getting a cold, wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.​

Protect Yourself and Others

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Viruses that cause colds can survive on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.

How to Feel Better

There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make your cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children.

When to See a Doctor

You should call your doctor if you or your child has one or more of these conditions: a temperature higher than 100.4°F, symptoms that last more than 10 days, or symptoms that are severe or unusual. If your child is younger than 3 months of age and has a fever, you should always call your doctor right away. Your doctor can determine if you or your child has a cold and can recommend therapy to help with symptoms.

Get Smart

When you have a cold, mucus fills your nose, causing runny nose, congestion, and mucus to drip down your throat (post-nasal drip), which can cause a sore throat and cough. This mucus helps wash the germs from the nose and sinuses. After two or three days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This does not necessarily mean antibiotics are needed.

Prevention Tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash them for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Viruses that cause colds can stay on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.
• Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including objects such as toys and doorknobs.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. For people who have symptoms, illness can range from mild to severe. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People ages 5 years and older should get COVID-19 vaccines to prevent getting and spreading the illness. Everyone ages 16 and older can get a booster shot.

Key Facts

• The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after someone is exposed to the virus and can include fever, chills, and cough.
• Some people who are infected may not have symptoms, which is why everyone should take everyday preventive actions.
• Anyone can have severe illness from COVID-19, especially older adults and people of any age with underlying conditions.

Social Distancing

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” is one of the best ways to avoid being exposed to COVID-19 and slowing its spread. To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people, do not gather in groups, stay out of crowded places, and avoid mass gatherings.

Face Coverings Dos & Don'ts

CDC recommends wearing masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. Masks may slow the spread of the virus and help people who have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

Prevention Tips

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are ages 5 or older. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free!
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people outside your home. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms length) from others.
• Wear a mask in public, even if you don’t feel sick. It will help protect others in case you are infected.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Stay home if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath.
• Seek emergency medical care if you develop severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.​

Most people who get infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not get sick, or they only have mild illness, like the common cold. Symptoms of mild illness can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, skin rash, mouth blisters, and body and muscle aches.

Three better-known non-polio enteroviruses are enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), and coxsackie virus A6 (CV-A6). EV-D68 usually causes respiratory illness. EV-A71and CV-A6 are known to cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Infections with non-polio enteroviruses are common in the United States during summer and fall. A mix of enteroviruses circulates every year, and different types can be common in different years.

Key Facts

• Mild symptoms of enterovirus infection may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, skin rash, mouth blisters, and body and muscle aches.
• Although rare, enteroviruses can sometimes cause more serious illness, like viral meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal cord and brain) or acute flaccid myelitis (sudden onset of weakness in one or more arms or legs)
• Children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms from EV-D68 infection.
• There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infections, but most people recover completely.
• Important things you can do to stay healthy and protect others include washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, staying home when you’re sick, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Media

Protect Your Family - Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Children with Asthma - Children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms from certain types of enterovirus infection, like EV-D68. Discuss and update your child’s asthma action plan with their doctor

Treating Enteroviruses - There is no treatment for enterovirus infections, but most people recover completely. People with mild illness caused by non-polio enterovirus infection typically only need to treat their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best way to control symptoms.

Enteroviruses in the United States - In the United States, people can get infected with non-polio enteroviruses at any time of the year. However, non-polio enterovirus infections are more common in the summer and fall.

Prevention Tips

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils, with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and cell phones, especially if someone is sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children out of school.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a contagious illness that is caused by different viruses. It is common in infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, older children and adults can also get HFMD. Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. In the United States it is more common for people to get HFMD during summer and fall.

Key Facts

• Usually causes fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet (sometimes with blisters).
• HFMD is a contagious disease.
• It mostly affects infants and children younger than 5 years old but people of any age can be infected.
• It has no specific treatment.
• Infection risk can be reduced by practicing good hygiene such as washing hands often

Preventing HFMD

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, and help young children do the same; avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with people who have HFMD; and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

HFMD Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important for people with HFMD to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).

Is HFMD Serious?

HFMD is usually not serious. The illness is typically mild, and nearly all people recover in 7 – 10 days without medical treatment. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, an infected person can develop viral meningitis and may need to be hospitalized for few days. Other more rare complications can include polio-like paralysis or encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal.

Contagiousness

The viruses that cause HFMD can be found in an infected person's nose and throat secretions (saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus); blister fluid; and poop. People with HFMD are most contagious during their first week of illness. However, they may sometimes remain contagious for weeks after symptoms go away. Some people, especially adults, may not develop any symptoms, but they can still spread the viruses to others.

Prevention Tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with people who have HFMD.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including objects such as toys and doorknobs.

Rodents can carry dangerous pathogens, like hantavirus. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses found worldwide. In the United States, deer mice and other wild rodents can shed hantavirus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. People can become infected when they breathe in contaminated air. This can happen when cleaning rodent-infested areas in your home or vehicle – or when opening cabins, sheds, or outbuildings (like barns and storage facilities) that have been closed for the winter – which can stir up dust and dirt that contains urine, droppings, or nesting materials from an infected rodent. The virus can also be spread if an infected rodent bites someone. Scientists also believe people may be able to get the virus if they eat contaminated food or if they touch something that is contaminated and then touch their nose or mouth. In the United States, infection with hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Symptoms of HPS usually first look like the flu, with fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Later symptoms of HPS include shortness of breath, cough, and difficulty breathing. HPS can be fatal, so it’s important to take these prevention tips with you anywhere that rodents may live.

Key Facts

• There is no way to tell if a rodent is infected with hantavirus by its appearance; use safe cleaning practices every time you find rodent infestations.
• If you find rodent droppings, nesting material, or other signs of rodent activity, use disinfectant to wet down the area before cleaning it up. It is important that you do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming up droppings, urine, or nesting materials. Wear gloves and be sure to wash your hands after you have finished cleaning.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms with difficulty breathing after coming into contact with rodents or a rodent-infested area, go to the doctor.

Sweeping Outdoors

Cleaning in and around your home can put you at risk for hantavirus infections if rodents have made it their home, too.

Hantavirus Chest X-Ray

This is a chest x-ray of a patient with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Cabin in the Woods

Opening or cleaning cabins that have been closed during the winter is a potential risk for hantavirus infections, especially in rural settings.

Pets Can Carry Hantavirus

Pet rats can also carry a type of hantavirus called Seoul virus, which caused illnesses in rats and their owners in 11 states in 2017.

Hantavirus Field Study

CDC scientist collecting specimens from trapped rodents.

Prevention Tips

Prevent hantavirus by limiting contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite:

• Seal up holes and gaps in your home or garage where rodents may be coming in.
• Place traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation.
• Put human food and animal feed in containers that rodents cannot access (such as sealed containers made of metal or durable plastic).

Influenza (flu) is a common contagious viral respiratory illness that can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Flu illness can vary from mild to severe. When severe, flu can result in hospitalization and even death. Some people are more likely to suffer serious flu complications, including older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with certain chronic health conditions. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. Flu vaccination can prevent flu illness and its potentially serious complications. While flu vaccination varies in how well it works, an annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect against flu. However, if you get the flu, there are medications that can help treat it, and which are particularly important for some groups of people. Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medications that can reduce severity and duration of flu illness, and also might prevent serious flu complications. CDC recommends influenza antiviral treatment for people who are very sick with flu and people with flu symptoms who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.

Key Facts

• The severity of flu seasons can differ substantially from season to season.
• You may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
• Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized with flu each year.
• People with certain long-term health conditions, like asthma or diabetes, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.
• Take 3 steps to fight flu: get vaccinated, take everyday preventive actions, and take antiviral medicines if prescribed.

Are you at higher risk?

Certain people are at a greater risk of developing serious flu complications. These groups of people include: children younger than 5, adults 65 years of age or older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Prevention Tips

• An annual flu vaccination is the best way currently available to reduce the risk from flu and its potentially serious complications. As long as flu viruses are spreading, you can still benefit from a flu vaccine.
• Avoid people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick with flu for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine, such as acetaminophen.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Though less common than spread through droplets that come from the nose and mouth when people cough, sneeze, or talk, flu viruses can also when a person touches something that is contaminated with flu viruses and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe influenza antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness, which can lessen the severity of your illness, shorten the amount of time you are sick and help prevent serious flu complications.

Measles is a serious disease. It’s caused by a very contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny, red spots that spread all over the body. Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and death. Thanks to the vaccine, measles is rare in the United States. But it’s still common in many other countries. Unvaccinated people are at risk of getting measles, especially when they travel abroad. They can bring the disease into the United States and infect others, which can lead to outbreaks.

Key Facts

• Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Anyone who is not protected is at risk, especially when traveling abroad.
• Measles vaccine works well. About 97 children out of 100 who get 2 doses of vaccine won’t get measles if they’re exposed to it.
• Since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the annual number of people reported with measles ranged from a low of 37 in 2004 to a high of 667 in 2014.
• Before the measles vaccination program started in 1963, about 3-4 million people got measles each year in the United States.

A Healthy Baby

You can protect your children from measles by making sure they are vaccinated on time. The vaccine is usually given as part of a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

Measles and Travel

Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Unvaccinated Americans put themselves at risk when they travel abroad. They can bring the disease into the United States and infect others, which can lead to outbreaks. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you hit the road.

Measles Outbreaks

Measles outbreaks occur every year in the United States in communities where people are not vaccinated. People who get infected while traveling abroad bring the disease into these communities, where it can spread. Measles spreads very quickly among people who are not protected and can lead to severe complications.

Prevention Tips

• Get children vaccinated against measles. CDC recommends that children get two doses of measles vaccine—the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
• Know your immunization status. Adults born during or after 1957 who haven’t had measles or have never been vaccinated should get at least one dose of measles vaccine. College students, international travelers, and healthcare personnel should get two doses, at least 28 days apart.
• Check before you travel. CDC recommends that infants 6 months of age and older, adolescents and adults are protected against measles before traveling abroad. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you or your child should get measles vaccine.
• Protect yourself and others. When you get measles vaccine, you protect yourself and others. This is very important for people who can’t get vaccinated, such as infants who are too young or people with specific health conditions.

Globally, pneumonia (an infection of the lungs) kills more children younger than 5 years old each year than any other infectious disease, such as HIV infection, malaria, or tuberculosis.

In the United States, 1.5 million people were diagnosed with pneumonia in an emergency department during 2018. Unfortunately, more than 40,000 people died from the disease that year in the United States. Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults.

Vaccines and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of these deaths—globally and in the United States.

Key Facts

• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.
• Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia.
• Common signs of pneumonia can include cough, fever, and trouble breathing.
• Bacteria and viruses that commonly cause pneumonia in the community are different from those in the healthcare settings.
• A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).

Pneumonia Prevention

Avoid people who are sick. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick. Wash your hands regularly. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot. Limit contact with cigarette smoke or quit smoking. Take good care of medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).

Who Can Get Pneumonia

Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia: adults 65 years or older; children younger than 5 years old; people who have ongoing medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes or heart disease); and people who smoke cigarettes. Encourage friends and loved ones to make sure they are up to date with their vaccines.

Causes of Pneumonia

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia.

Types of Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia in the community (not in a hospital). Healthcare-associated pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia during or following a stay in a healthcare facility. Healthcare facilities include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers.

Prevention Tips

• Get vaccinated. Vaccines can help prevent infection by some of the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia.
• Avoid people who are sick. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve.
• Limit contact with cigarette smoke or quit smoking.
• Manage and prevent conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. Most children get RSV infection by age 2, but you can get infected at any age and more than once in your life. The symptoms are usually similar to the common cold. Most people recover in a week or two, but others at high risk may get very sick and develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs). There is no vaccine, but scientists are working to develop one. Until then, there are ways you can help prevent RSV infection.

Key Facts

• RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
• Infants and older adults may develop severe infections from RSV, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
• Most kids get an RSV infection by age 2. However, you can get an RSV infection at any age and more than once in your life.
• RSV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or shares cups and eating utensils with others.
• You can help protect yourself and others from RSV infections by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

RSV Can Be Serious

For most people, RSV infections are mild and clear on their own. But some people develop severe infections, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. People at high risk include very young infants, premature babies, young children with chronic lung or heart disease, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Wash Your Hands Often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. Proper hand hygiene can help protect you from getting RSV infection as well as prevent the spread of infection to others when you are sick.

Cover Your Cough and Sneeze

RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To help prevent germs from spreading, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your bare hands. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

Avoid Sharing When Sick

You can get RSV infection if you share cups or eating utensils with others. You can also get infected if you touch surfaces, such as toys or doorknobs, that have the virus on them, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Prevention Tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your bare hands. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that affected many people worldwide in 2003. It was caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. The illness spread to 29 countries, where 8,096 people got SARS and 774 of them died. The SARS global outbreak was contained in July 2003. Since 2004, there have not been any known cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.

Key Facts

• SARS was caused by a new coronavirus that had never been found in people before.
• In 2003, a total of 8,096 people in 29 countries got SARS and 774 of them died.
• Only eight people in the United States got SARS. None of them died.
• Health professionals around the world worked together to successfully contain the outbreak in 2003.
• In six months, the global SARS outbreak cost the world an estimated $40 billion.

A Virus that Wears a Crown

SARS is caused by a virus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Under a microscope you can see that each virus particle is surrounded by a corona, or crown. These crowns are little proteins that live on the surface of the virus to determine which cells it can infect. SARS-CoV comes from the same family of viruses that cause the common cold.

SARS Symptoms

A high fever was typically the first sign of illness for people who got SARS. Other symptoms included headaches, malaise (feeling of discomfort), body aches, cough, and diarrhea. Most people developed pneumonia and needed to be hospitalized. Some needed a breathing machine.

How SARS Was Spread

Infected people spread SARS-CoV by coughing, sneezing, and having close contact with others. When infected people touched surfaces, others got infected by touching these things, then putting their fingers in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Doctors had to wear respirators and sometimes full body protection to keep from getting infected.

Solving the Outbreak

A CDC laboratory scientist in 2003 processes blood samples to be tested for SARS. Using special tests to detect antibodies—proteins the body’s immune system produces to fight viruses like one that caused SARS, scientists were able to accurately identify SARS patients. CDC’s lab scientists developed and sent these tests to labs across the nation.

Prevention Tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.

Tuberculosis, or TB disease, is highly contagious and can be deadly. TB can live in your body for years without symptoms. This is called inactive TB or latent TB infection. Inactive TB can become active TB disease at any time, which can make you sick and spread to other people. Anyone can get TB, but some people are at a higher risk than others. Learn about your risk for TB and talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

• Despite being preventable and curable, too many people still suffer from TB disease in the United States.
• TB germs are spread through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, talks, or sings.
• Up to 13 million people in the United States live with inactive TB, which if left untreated can develop into active TB disease.
• Symptoms of active TB disease include a cough lasting longer than 3 weeks, fever, night sweats, and/or weight loss.
• Both inactive TB and TB disease can be treated.

Think. Test. Treat TB PSA

If you are at risk for TB, talk to your doctor. The good news is that simple testing can determine if you have inactive TB, and there are several short and convenient treatment options that can protect you from getting sick. Think. Test. Treat TB to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Think About Your Risk

Anyone can get TB, but you have a higher risk for TB if you: recently spent time with someone who has active TB disease, were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common, work or live in places with high risk for TB transmission, or live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk for TB.

Get Tested for TB

There is a TB blood test and a TB skin test for TB infection. TB blood tests are the preferred method of TB testing for people who have received the TB vaccine (BCG). Public and private healthcare plans may cover the costs of TB testing. Your healthcare provider can recommend the right TB test for you.

Get Treated for TB

Without treatment, inactive TB can progress to active TB disease. If not treated properly, active TB disease can be fatal. Talk to your healthcare provider about TB testing and treatment to protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community.

Prevention Tips

• If you are at risk for TB, talk to your healthcare provider about testing for TB to protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community.
• Ask your healthcare provider which TB test is right for you, especially if you have received the TB vaccine (BCG).
• If you have inactive TB, short and convenient treatments are available that can help protect you from developing TB disease.
• If you are taking medicines for inactive TB or active TB disease, take them as directed by your healthcare providers.

Whooping cough (pertussis) spreads easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until there isn’t any air in your lungs. When this happens, you are forced to inhale with a loud “whooping” sound. This extreme coughing can last for weeks and cause you to throw up or crack ribs. Young babies with whooping cough may not cough at all, but can have trouble breathing. About half of babies younger than a year old who get whooping cough end up in the hospital and a few die. Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. There are two types of whooping cough vaccines—DTaP for babies and young children and Tdap for preteens, teens, pregnant women, and adults.

Key Facts

• Only humans get whooping cough. People spread the bacteria that causes it to others by coughing or sneezing.
• Since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough reported in the United States.
• About half of babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough end up in the hospital.
• Two vaccines help prevent whooping cough: DTaP for children younger than 7 years old and Tdap for older children and adults, including pregnant women.
• Pregnant women who get Tdap pass some short-term protection against whooping cough to their baby.

Prevent Whooping Cough

Anyone who comes in close contact with a baby should be up to date with their whooping cough vaccine.

Get Vaccinated

If you are pregnant, CDC recommends that you get the whooping cough shot, called Tdap, to help protect yourself and your baby.

Know the Signs

Whooping cough starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe a mild cough or fever. But after 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing can begin. Babies may not cough at all though. Instead, they often have trouble breathing.

Prevention Tips

• Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. Both whooping cough vaccines (DTaP and Tdap) protect against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
• Babies need to get a DTaP shot when they are 2, 4, and 6 months old to build a high level of protection against whooping cough.
• CDC recommends DTaP booster shots when children are 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years old to help maintain protection.
• Preteens should get Tdap at 11 or 12 years old. Teens who didn’t get Tdap as a preteen should get the shot the next time they visit their doctor.
• Adults who have never received it should get one shot of Tdap.
• Pregnant women should get Tdap during each pregnancy to provide short-term protection to their baby in early life.