2025 - 2026 RESPIRATORY SEASON UPDATE
- Federal and state immunization guidance for the 2025-2026 respiratory season is still under development.
- DCHD encourages all residents to prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season. DCHD is especially urging residents 65+ or those with qualifying conditions to plan ahead.
- Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated against flu, RSV, and COVID-19, obtain a prescription if needed and then schedule with your provider, pharmacy, or grocery store clinic.
- DCHD will be providing flu vaccine through DCHD’s regular immunization clinics for the uninsured and underinsured, homebound individuals, and at pop-up opportunities for the general public. Residents can follow DCHD on social media for updates and call the Delaware County Wellness Line at 484-276-2100 for more information.
- DCHD is currently working to secure its COVID-19 vaccine supply, which is expected to be limited and subject to eligibility requirements.
- Delaware County residents are also reminded that free respiratory testing resources are available DCHD’s five Test and Go public health kiosks located throughout the county. Please visit kiosk landing page for more information. COVID-19 rapid home tests are also available at DCHD’s three office locations in Chester, Yeadon, and Eddystone during regular office hours while supplies last.
Respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are contagious infections that are all caused by different viruses. These illnesses primarily affect the respiratory system and can follow seasonal patterns.
Respiratory illnesses spread when a person who is sick breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch.
- COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It can present with common symptoms like fever and headache as well as unique symptoms that can and include fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and/or smell.
- Influenza (flu) is a virus that infects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Flu can cause mild to severe illnesses in humans. It can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches. Seasonal flu (influenza A and B) is detected year-round but fall and winter is considered flu season.
- RSV a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.
- Avian flu, also called H5N1 influenza or bird flu, is a respiratory virus that is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. There have been a few recent human cases, including in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. It may cause cold-like symptoms in people, as well as conjunctivitis (or “pink eye”). While the current public health risk is low, public health officials are watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection. More information available here.
DCHD encourages everyone to take steps year-round to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and limit their impact on our families and community. Stay up to date on vaccinations. Practice proper handwashing. Stay home if you are sick. Get tested. Be mindful of not exposing vulnerable friends and family. Consider wearing a mask in appropriate settings. Seek medical advice and care if you have severe symptoms.
KNOW THE SIGNS
| Common Symptoms | COVID-19 | FLU | RSV | |
| Common Symptoms of COVID-19, FLU, and RSV | Fever and/or Chills |  | | |
| Headache | | | ||
| Muscle pain or body aches | | | ||
| Feeling tired or weak | | | ||
| Sore throat | | | | |
| Runny or stuffy nose | | | | |
| Sneezing | | |||
| Cough | | | | |
| Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | | | | |
| Vomiting and diarrhea | | | ||
| Change in or loss of taste or smell | |
Need help? The Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line:
is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to responding to phone calls, the Wellness Line Team also responds to email inquiries.
Phone: (484) 276-2100
Email: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
