A guest post by: Dr. Tracy Jackson . Updated on January 13, 2021.
1. Wash Your Hands
The single most effective thing you can do to prevent infection of COVID-19, or any virus, is to wash your hands whenever you touch things that other people also touch (like money, hostel/restaurant/bar surfaces, and dishes, armrests, handrails, toilets, faucet handles, etc.) And really wash them – not just a sprinkle: 20 seconds with soap and water up past your wrists.
2. Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap & Water
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also work, but good ol’ soap and water is the best.
3. Avoid touching your face
Keep your hands out of your eyes and all the holes in your face. This is a great time to quit biting your fingernails or picking your nose.
4. Will masks protect me?
YES! The CDC recommends wearing a mask to protect yourself and others, even if you aren’t exhibiting symptoms.
5. What type of mask should I wear?
Check out this useful graphic provided by the CDC
6. Keep Your Distance
Practice social distancing to the best of your abilities. Keep at least 6 feet away from others.
7. How to Properly Cough or Sneeze to Prevent The Spread of Infection
If you need to cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue and immediately discard…or into your hand/crook of arm and immediately wash before touching anything. This is also the sanitary thing to do to prevent ALL respiratory viruses.
8. What are Coronavirus Symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It can seem a lot like the flu or a bad cold. If in doubt, quarantine yourself as soon as possible or schedule a test.
9. What do I do if I have respiratory symptoms and a fever?
If you do have symptoms, DO NOT GO TO THE CLINIC OR HOSPITAL WITHOUT CALLING THEM FIRST to let them know you think you may have COVID-19. They will want to make sure you aren’t just sitting around the waiting room potentially infecting others, and will make sure you get directly to the best place for testing and treatment.
10. There is still much unknown about the virus. What’s the best source of information to stay up to date?
The most current and accurate information will be found on the website of the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
As well as the CDC:
