Maine CDC Shares Respiratory Virus Season Reminders

Sep 25, 2026

As fall arrives in Maine, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), also return and begin to spread more widely as people spend more time together, indoors. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) reminds Maine people and visitors to take steps to keep themselves, their loved ones, and neighbors healthy this respiratory virus season.

Respiratory viruses can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Some people are more likely to get very sick and need medical attention. These viruses can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can also spread from touching the surface with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth before washing your hands.

The Maine CDC recommends the following measures to protect yourself and others:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people touch often.
• If you are sick, consider wearing a mask around others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get vaccinated, as appropriate for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent respiratory viruses. Vaccines can also help make illness less severe and help prevent missed work or school. Getting a flu vaccine every year and staying up to date with COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations, if eligible, can help lower the risk of getting sick.

Consistent with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Maine CDC recommends the following respiratory virus immunization for the 2026-2027 season:

• Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine.
• COVID-19: Vaccination is recommended for
  • all children ages 6 through 23 months;
  • children and adolescents ages 2 through 18 years who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 or who want to be vaccinated;
  • adults age 19 and older;
  • pregnant individuals.
• RSV: Immunization is recommended for certain infants, pregnant people, and older adults.
  • Infants: RSV immunization is recommended for those younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season, if they are not protected by maternal RSV vaccination.
    • Certain children ages 8-19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV may also be recommended to receive RSV immunization during their second season.
  • Pregnant people: RSV vaccination is recommended during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.
  • Older adults: All adults age 75 and older and adults 50-74 at increased risk for severe RSV illness.

To find the nearest location to get a vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or health care provider.