COVID-19, Flu and RSV
FDA Resources for Respiratory Illnesses
You may be eligible for three vaccinations this fall and winter – flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – and wondering if you should get all three shots.
This is your guide to FDA-authorized and approved vaccines, tests and treatments for all three illnesses. Talk to a health care professional about what works best for you.
Vaccines | Tests | Treatments
Vaccines
![Coronavirus Disease 2019 screenshot on cell phone](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/COVID_iphone_thumbnail.png?itok=04PePLA9)
COVID-19 Vaccines
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months of age and older.
![Black male getting flu shot at pharmacy.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/Flu%20vaccine.png?itok=1AZbOCHe)
Flu Vaccines
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year.
![2 photo collage: Left photo of pregnant woman in hospital bed talking with female doctor. Right photo of male doctor talking with senior female patient.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/RSV-vaccines.png?itok=uaRgEJ8n)
RSV Vaccines
There are two FDA-approved RSV vaccines for individuals 60 years of age and older; one is also approved for use in pregnant individuals to prevent RSV in infants. Ask your doctor or nurse about your eligibility.
![Collage of children getting vacinated](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/Childhood-vaccines-03-1600x900.jpg?itok=aewFBxx0)
Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of vaccines is one of the FDA’s top priorities.
Tests
![Image of person performing at-home covid test](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/covid%20rapid%20test_0.jpg?itok=oim_xAhI)
COVID-19 Tests
The FDA has authorized and approved many COVID-19 tests, including rapid home tests.
![Woman sitting on couch blowing her nose, surrounded by used tissues, cup of tea, nasal spray, and bottle of medicine.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/Flu%20tests.png?itok=LuXOLHM3)
Flu Tests
The CDC has more information about the types of flu tests available. Your health care professional can answer questions about flu tests.
![Lab technician wearing full body protection running tests in lab.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/RSV%20tests.png?itok=6vuCi1Aj)
RSV Tests
Lab tests can detect respiratory viruses such as RSV and the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu.
![Female lab technician running tests in lab with male coworker in background looking through microscope.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/Test%20used%20by%20your%20Dr.png?itok=En0OzXnA)
Tests Used By Your Doctor
Your doctor uses laboratory tests to help diagnose health conditions.
Treatments
![Shot of a male pharmacist assisting a customer at the prescription counter.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/PMI%20Proposed%20Rule%20Graphic.png?itok=sD8_eh9Z)
COVID-19 Treatments
FDA-approved and authorized COVID-19 treatments are available.
![collage of three photos: woman sitting cross-legged holding head while looking a thermometer, pharmacist reading prescription and holding medicine bottle, man looking at open laptop while blowing his nose with glass of water and used tissues on table](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/Flu-Fraud-Warning-06-Nov-2020_CU_1600x900.png?itok=XFP6wj59)
Flu Treatments
Flu antiviral medications are FDA-approved prescription treatments for adults, children and infants.
![Two image collage that depicts a Laboratory Technician examining a pill, and a Pharmacist explaining medication to a patient.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/Generic%20Drugs_CU_1600%20x%20900_FINAL.png?itok=SUQBnpHE)
RSV Treatments
Most people can recover at home from mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and adults with severe cases of RSV may need to be hospitalized. Talk to a health care professional if you are severely ill.
![Image depicting an elderly woman staring at her prescription bottle on the left, and a Pharmacist talking on the phone on the right.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/02-01-2024T08:08/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/medium_3/public/FDA%20Pharmacist_1600%20x%20900_%28Revised6%29.png?itok=zwyefI93)
Questions and Answers About Drugs
FDA pharmacists answer your questions about prescription and nonprescription medicines.