New Weekly Updates on U.S. Viral Respiratory Illness Activity

This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

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December 5, 2023 This message includes updates on COVID-19 from CDC.

New: Weekly Updates on Fall and Winter Virus Season  CDC and public health partners are working to help people protect themselves this fall and winter virus season, when COVID-19, flu, and RSV are spreading at the same time. You can use CDC's new web tool to find weekly updates on respiratory viral illness activity in the United States or in your area, along with other key data on whether things are getting better or worse, and who is most affected by serious consequences such as hospitalizations or even deaths. Visit our respiratory illness website to learn how to stay safe, find resources and toolkits, and stay updated with the weekly viral respiratory illness snapshot.

Take Steps to Stay Healthy During the Holidays  Gathering with loved ones to celebrate the holidays is an important tradition for many, but it is also a time when many viruses are more likely to spread. You and your loved ones can take action to help prevent respiratory virus illnesses during the holidays and at other times: Get recommended vaccines against respiratory viruses. Get tested if you have signs or symptoms of a respiratory illness. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get treated with antiviral medication if you have a higher risk for serious illness. Use everyday healthy behaviors, including staying home when sick.

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What to Know About Getting COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines at the Same Time CDC recently posted an article on what you need to know about receiving COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines (if eligible for an RSV vaccine) at the same time. Getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe and can help keep you up to date, especially if you might not be able to make multiple visits to your provider. Whether you choose to get vaccinated at the same visit or at separate visits, the most important thing is that you get all vaccines recommended for you to protect against these illnesses.

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V-safe Adults 60 years and older and people between 32-36 weeks pregnant can now register for V-safe after receiving an RSV vaccine to tell CDC how they feel after vaccination. V-safe is a safety monitoring system that lets you share with CDC how you or your dependent (family member, friend, or a person who relies on you for support) feels after getting an RSV vaccine. V-safe originally launched in December 2020 to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. To use V-safe, you’ll need to create an account using a computer, smartphone, or tablet by visiting vsafe.cdc.gov. After you register, V-safe will send you personalized and confidential health check-ins via text messages or emails to quickly and easily share how you feel after getting your vaccination. The data collected through V-safe help CDC inform the public about what to expect following vaccination.  V-safe is one of several systems that CDC uses to closely monitor the safety of vaccines. Learn More

Updates to This Newsletter CDC is expanding the information you receive through this COVID-19 newsletter to also include information on protecting yourself and loved ones against other respiratory viruses. If you’d like to continue receiving this newsletter, you’re all set – no action is needed. If you do not wish to receive a newsletter that includes this additional content on other respiratory viruses, you can remove yourself at the unsubscribe page.

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Order 4 Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC.

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November 1, 2023 COVID-19 Testing, Self-Tests (At-Home Tests)

Get 4 Free COVID-19 Tests Every U.S. household can order 4 more free COVID-19 self-tests.  Self-tests (also called at-home tests and over-the-counter tests) are one of several tools that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. Self-tests can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. You can place an order  Online at COVIDTests.gov By calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) By calling or emailing the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or DIAL@usaginganddisability.org (for people with disabilities)

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Things to Consider When Taking A COVID-19 Test When you get tested for COVID-19: Make sure to test at the right time Choose the right type of test for your circumstance Follow test directions as recommended by FDA Visit CDC’s website to learn more about COVID-19 testing, including how and when to use a self-test, and other things to keep in mind when you take a COVID-19 test. Many of us may have expired COVID-19 self-tests. Before you throw out “expired” COVID-19 self-tests, check to see if their expiration dates have been extended. The expiration date is the date through which the test is expected to perform as accurately as when manufactured. Sometimes, a test’s expiration date is extended. You can check FDA’s website to find more information on the test, including if the expiration date has been extended, how the test performs, and other details that may help you decide what test is right for you. To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit: COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know| CDC To see if the expiration date for your at-home COVID-19 tests has been extended, visit: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA

	Take Precautions If You Have COVID-19 If you have COVID-19, you can take precautions to protect yourself and others. Stay home and separate yourself from others Improve ventilation (air flow) at home Wear a high-quality mask when you’re around others Ask a healthcare provider about treatments that may be available to you Learn More

	Stay Informed with the COVID Data Tracker COVID Data Tracker provides the most recent data and trends on COVID-19 test positivity, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. You can explore data on hospital admission levels to learn how COVID-19 is impacting your area, and also find information on variants and wastewater surveillance. Learn More

How to Get Your COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines This Year Immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts, and death. Recommendations for these immunizations vary based on age, pregnancy status, or medical conditions. To learn more, including how to find recommended immunizations, visit: How to Get Your Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines This Year | CDC

Updates to This Newsletter CDC is expanding the information you receive through this COVID-19 newsletter to also include information on protecting yourself and loved ones against other respiratory viruses. If you’d like to continue receiving this newsletter, you’re all set – no action is needed. If you do not wish to receive a newsletter that includes content on other respiratory viruses and COVID-19, you can remove yourself at the unsubscribe page. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348 Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe