What we know about COVID-19 continues to change. But there are important things we can do to protect ourselves and those around us.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you aren’t feeling well, stay home. This includes visiting the doctor’s office. Call your doctor’s office first to share your symptoms and ask if you should come in.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue and throw it in the trash. Then, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. There are times people mistake COVID-19 symptoms for cold and allergy symptoms, like a runny nose or headache.
- Follow public health advice on attending school, avoiding crowds, and other physical distancing measures to limit spread of COVID-19.
- Follow your local health department guidance on masks. When wearing a mask, make sure it covers your mouth and nose. Masks do help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Misinformation about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine has caused confusion during the pandemic. If you have concerns about COVID-19, read Know the Facts About Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have concerns about the vaccine, read Debunking Common COVID-19 Vaccine Myths, or talk to your family doctor.
- Get your flu shot, if you haven’t already. Flu season is active in the fall and winter. You can get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
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This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
