How to protect yourself against coronavirus (COVID-19)

You’ve probably heard about the coronavirus in the news, but while cases of the respiratory illness have been increasing in the United States, imminent threat from the infection at this stage is considered low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best thing to do is avoid being exposed to the virus.

We at Lifeline Primary Care put together this short guide for you to read and share with your loved ones. This information comes directly from the CDC unless otherwise noted.

Practice social distancing

Make sure you put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, even if that means skipping or canceling social events. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Social distancing means staying home, avoiding crowds and not touching each other. The rule of thumb is to keep six feet of distance between you and anyone else. However, you do not have to avoid your child or spouse if neither of you is at risk. But if possible, limit excessive physical contact.

Additionally, while restaurants, offices, theaters, museums, schools and places of worship have began closing their doors in the U.S., grocery stores, doctor's offices and some outdoor areas are still open. But again, staying home and practicing social distancing as much as possible is the best way to lower infection rates, according to the CDC.

If you still need to come into the workplace, be sure to practice as much social distancing as your job allows.

Wash your hands!

Follow this 5-step hand-washing routine several times a day, especially before or after preparing or eating food; caring for a sick loved one; using the bathroom; blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing; handling pets or pet food and after touching garbage.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When to use hand sanitizer

Remember, hand sanitizers get rid of many germs, but they don’t get rid of them all. Soap and water is always best. When you use a hand sanitizer, make sure it is alcohol-based and contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean all the “high-touch” surfaces

Make sure your tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables are clean. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. You should use a household cleaning spray or wipe and follow label instructions. Here’s a list of disinfectants you can use.

Make sure you have your medications

The CDC’s personal preparedness kit recommends you keep a 30-day supply of your regular medications.

Children under 2 years of age and adults 65 or older should make sure they have had their pneumonia vaccine.

This is also called pneumococcal vaccine. Read more from the CDC.

Feeling sick?

COVID-19 symptoms involve fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you experience such symptoms:

  • Call your doctor before visiting them.

  • Do not leave your house unless you need medical care.

  • At home, isolate yourself in a room away from other people and pets, if possible.

  • Try to use a separate bathroom and don’t share personal household items with anyone.

  • Keep surfaces clean.

  • Wash your hands using the rules above.

  • Wear a face mask if you’re around other people. If other people want to be around you, they should also wear face masks.

How to explain coronavirus to kids

Use this downloadable, printable and foldable comic for kids from NPR’s Malaka Gharib. A preview below:

Malaka Gharib/NPR

Malaka Gharib/NPR

How to manage anxiety around coronavirus

Information overload? Worried about the virus? Remember, “the more you stress, the more vulnerable you can become to viruses, because stress can dampen your immune response,” according to NPR’s Allison Aubrey. Read these five tips to regain your calm. If your anxiety becomes especially worrisome, please talk to your doctor.

Stay informed

Be sure to stay updated and heed the advice of your local health officials and school district. Below, you’ll find important resources to keep on hand.

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