The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus and there are several things we can implement in our daily lives to help prevent the spread of all types of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick. Be prepared for work and school from home.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
There are a number of things you can do to prepare your homes and your families should there be a need for social isolation:
- Without getting everyone alarmed talk with your family about the need to combat the spread of the disease as a community.
- Express to your children how important it is to practice personal hygiene even if they don’t feel sick.
- Stock up on non-perishable food and water.
- Have on hand 2 to 3 weeks of medicine.
- Prepare at-home activities for kids.
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