COVID and flu in the Bay Area: What you need to know this fall

As we enter November — the month that in the past three years has seen the start of a spike in COVID hospitalizations — here’s the latest information on respiratory viruses.

Vaccinations for COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus: A guide to the current vaccine options, including whether you should get two (or three) at once. ••• Plus: Is it too late for a flu shot?

Masking requirements in the Bay Area: Santa Clara County and Marin County are requiring everybody to wear a mask in public areas of hospitals and other health-care facilities. Four other counties have requirements for employees only.

At-home COVID tests: You can get four more at-home test kits mailed to you free. ••• Plus: Can I use an expired test?

How to know if you’re contagious: A doctor’s advice on timelines and recommended precautions after infection.

Full coverage: All of our COVID-19 articles