Huntington Health Warns Pasadena Residents to Prepare for Respiratory Virus Season

As flu, COVID-19 and RSV risks rise with the onset of colder months, Huntington Health is urging Pasadena residents to take preventive measures ahead of respiratory virus season, which typically spans fall through winter.

The recent guidance was issued in a public advisory, coinciding with increased indoor gatherings and holiday travel. Kimberly Shriner, MD, medical director of infection prevention and diseases at Huntington Health, outlined five key strategies to reduce transmission and severity of illness in the advisory.

“As we have seen over the last several years, humans can be uniquely susceptible to respiratory viruses,” Shriner said. “Fortunately, even the simplest of measures can help protect you and the ones you love.”

The California Department of Public Health recommends staying current with vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza and RSV, particularly for older adults, pregnant individuals and infants. Huntington Health echoes this guidance, emphasizing that vaccines can reduce hospitalizations and mitigate illness severity.

Additional recommendations include frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use of hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. Residents are also advised to avoid touching their faces and to keep hands clean.

To reduce indoor transmission, Huntington Health suggests ventilating spaces by opening windows, using air purifiers or filters, and spending time outdoors when feasible—especially in crowded settings.

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or fatigue should stay home and seek medical attention early. Severe symptoms warrant contact with a physician, urgent care visit or emergency room evaluation.

Other protective measures include mask-wearing in high-risk settings, maintaining distance from sick individuals, and using testing to confirm illness and guide treatment decisions. Residents are encouraged to consult their physicians for personalized guidance.

The advisory was published by Huntington Health and is available at huntingtonhealth.org.