Simple Ways to Avoid COVID-19

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the world. We all want to avoid this dangerous virus. Let's look at some simple ways to lower your risk of infection.

Wash your hands

First, we know that washing hands is one of the best ways to keep this virus from spreading. So wash your hands with soap and water, and wash them often. Lather for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands after you go to the bathroom. Wash them after you blow your nose. Wash them after sneezing or coughing. Wash them before you prepare food. And wash them before you eat. If you don't have a place to wash your hands, hand sanitizer is an option. Use one that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Have the people around you cover their coughs and sneezes. Make sure they cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then throw it in the trash. If they don't have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their elbow.

Don't touch your face

Next, try to avoid touching your face. Why? Because when you touch your face, you can move the virus from your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth. These are all routes the virus uses to get into your body. So even though it's not easy, try to keep your hands away from your face.

Avoid others

And finally, stay away from others. Avoid groups of people. When you need to be in public, keep your distance from others. And if you do feel sick, stay home. We know the virus spreads from person to person, so staying away from others keeps us all safer.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.