A Self-Advocate’s Guide To Respiratory Illness

Last Revised: May 2025

IHPP guides are for educational purposes only. The illustrations and information about anatomy are for learning about the human body, health conditions, and preparing for appointments. These guides should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems. These guides are not a replacement for seeing a licensed medical professional. Please talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your health.

Transcript:

A Self Advocate’s Guide to Respiratory Illnesses

Including RSV, the Flu, and COVID
Created by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council.

This guide helps you understand what respiratory illnesses are and how to take care of your health.

What is a Respiratory Illness?

A respiratory illness affects your breathing.
Examples include:

  • Flu (Influenza)

  • Pneumonia

  • Asthma

  • Bronchitis

  • COVID

  • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

These illnesses can spread through:

  • Close contact.

  • Sharing utensils or personal items.

  • Touching surfaces touched by someone sick.

What Causes Respiratory Illnesses?

Viruses (like flu and COVID):

  • Contagious

  • Spread in the body

  • Not treated with antibiotics

Bacteria (like strep throat):

  • Sometimes contagious

  • Stay in one body area

  • Treated with antibiotics

Other Causes:

  • Environmental: smoke, air pollution, chemicals

  • Allergies: pollen, dust mites, animal dander

  • Fungi/Parasites: mold, yeast, ringworm

Symptoms of a Respiratory Illness

  • Coughing

  • Sneezing

  • Trouble breathing

  • Wheezing

  • Chest pain

  • Fever

You feel these symptoms in your nose, throat, lungs, and airways.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

  • Take a COVID test.

  • Call a nurse for advice.

  • Stay away from others.

  • Wear a mask.

How to Treat Respiratory Illness at Home

  • Rest

  • Drink water, tea, or broth

  • Take cold/cough medicine

  • Use a humidifier

  • Avoid cigarette smoke

How Doctors Can Help

  • May prescribe antivirals for viruses.

  • May prescribe other medicine to help symptoms.

How to Prevent Respiratory Illnesses

  • Get your vaccines.

  • Wash your hands.

  • Wear a mask if you're sick.

  • Let fresh air into your home.

You can get vaccinated at:

  • Your healthcare provider’s office.

  • Pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.

  • Vaccine clinics.

Call the Disability Information and Access Line for help: (888) 677-1199 or visit http://DIAL.ACL.gov

What Are Vaccines?

Vaccines are shots that help keep you healthy.

  • They teach your body to fight off germs.

  • Use a weak or dead version of the germ.

  • May need multiple doses or boosters.

  • Can make you feel a bit tired or sore.

What is The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPP)?

IHPP helps people with developmental disabilities take care of their health by:

  • Creating plain language guides.

  • Training providers to work with neurodiverse patients.

Last revised: January 2025
Learn more: http://www.ihppvt.org

Supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Award: $95,319

Sources:

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