There are everyday precautions you can take to help keep you healthy.
Protect yourself this flu season
- It is likely that both COVID-19 and flu viruses will spread this fall and winter. So getting a flu vaccine during 2020-21 is more important than ever.
- While the flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it has been shown to reduce the risk of getting the flu.
- In addition, getting a flu vaccine can free up health care resources for patients who need treatment for COVID-19.
Wash your hands frequently
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or spending time in a public place.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places—elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand, or use your finger if you must touch something.
- Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
Avoid close contact
- If someone inside your home becomes sick, they should be tested for COVID-19. If they test positive, they should isolate from other household members.
- Outside your home, stay at least six feet away from people who don’t live in your household and wear a mask.
- Remember, some people don’t display symptoms of COVID-19 and may be able to spread the virus.
Cover your nose and mouth when around others
- Everyone should wear a mask or other face covering in public settings, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Masks should completely cover both the nose and mouth.
- Remember that you could spread COVID-19 to others even if you don’t feel sick. The mask is meant to also protect other people in case you are infected.
- Continue to maintain six feet between you and others even while wearing a mask. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (for example: cell phones, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, etc.)
PLEASE NOTE: People should not consume or misuse disinfectants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), household cleaners and disinfectants can cause health problems when not used properly. When using disinfectants to clean and disinfect your home, follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use.