Respiratory Illnesses

Most respiratory illnesses*, including COVID and flu, now follow the same guidance, which is to STAY HOME (isolate) when ill/symptomatic. You may end your isolation when: 

    • You have been fever-free for more than 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medications and
    • Your symptoms are mild and have been getting better overall for at least 24 hours

Other protection methods should be followed for the next 5 days, like masking and physical distancing. 

*This guidance does NOT pertain to pertussis (whooping cough) or tuberculosis, please see below for additional information

Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

Respiratory Viruses (wisconsin.gov)

Check out the latest data here by choosing Wisconsin and Brown County: 

Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

For information about specific respiratory illnesses, please click on options below! 

For information about vaccines against respiratory illnesses, check out: Vaccines 

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches

The best way to protect yourself and those you love from getting sick from the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine in the fall/early winter.

Check out upcoming De Pere Health Department flu clinics here: Flu Vaccines 

Other steps like washing your hands, avoiding others when sick, and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough can slow the spread of the flu.

Influenza (Flu) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms

  • Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell

Staying up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect yourself from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine before and people who have had COVID-19. Make an appointment at a vaccine location near you today! Find a COVID-19 vaccine site

Can I travel if I recently had COVID-19?

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation. Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV Symptoms

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Wheezing

For seasonal RSV protection the CDC recommends:

Adults 60 years and older get one dose of Arexvy or Abrysvo vaccine.

Pregnant people get one dose of the Abrysvo vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks and six days of pregnancy

Infants younger than 8 months born during, or entering, their first RSV season get one dose of the monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab). 

Children 8-19 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease should also receive the monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab).

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis Symptoms

  • Low grade fever
  • Slight cough. After about a week, the cough gets worse
  • Difficulty breathing/breathing that makes a “whoop” sound
  • Vomiting with coughing 

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against whooping cough. Two different vaccines help protect against whooping cough. Both vaccines also protect against other diseases. Which vaccine you get depends on your age:

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is used for children younger than 7 years old.
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is used for older children and adults

Without antibiotic treatment, those with pertussis can be contagious for several weeks. People who test positive for pertussis need to stay home for at least 5 days while they take antibiotic treatment. 

Immunizations: Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services