How do I prevent and prepare for COVID-19?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus (and avoid exposing other people). Here’s how:
Practice social distancing
If you are around other people, keep 6 feet between you when possible. Avoid hugs, handshakes, large gatherings and close quarters.
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Why? The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the coronavirus if the person coughing has the disease.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help stop the spread of germs—if soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help stop the spread of germs—if soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
When Should I Wash My Hands?
Make a habit of regular hand washing. It’s most important to wash your hands:
before eating and cooking
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after using the bathroom
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after cleaning around the house
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after touching pets and other animals
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before and after visiting or taking care of sick people
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after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
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after being outside
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after handling mail or packages
Why? Handwashing removes germs from your hands. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Wear a cloth face cover in public
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and out in public, such as the grocery store.
Don’t place a cloth face cover on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or any who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Why? You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
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Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
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If surfaces are dirty, first clean with detergent or soap and water, and then disinfect. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants, diluted household bleach solutions, and alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol will work. See how to make a bleach solution if disinfectants are not available.
Watch for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms — ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
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Use the CDC’s self-checker to help make decisions and seek appropriate medical care regarding COVID-19.
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You may have COVID-19 if you have these symptoms or combinations of symptoms:
COUGHING, SORE THROAT
SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR DIFFICULTY BREATHING
FEVER, CHILLS, OR MUSCLE PAIN
NEW LOST OF TASTE OR SMELL
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
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This list is not all inclusive. Talk to your healthcare provider about any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Get Tested
If you are concerned about your status, get tested for COVID-19 right away. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can get tested.
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Find testing sites for walk-up and drive-thru testing. Testing differs by location. More and more sites offer rapid tests and antibody testing.