How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

1. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

2. Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

3. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Know the signs and symptoms

1. Fever – 98%.

2. Cough – 76%.

3. Shortness of breath – 55%.

4. Muscle ache or tiredness – 44%.

5. Coughing up sputum – 28%.

6. Headache – 8%.

7. Coughing up blood – 5%.

Take steps to protect yourself

1. Carry tissues at all times and use them to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. Bin the tissue (preferably in a bin with a lid) and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.

2. Wash your hands frequently and properly. This means using the WHO recommended hand washing method, hot water, and soap. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol and wash your hands at the earliest opportunity.

3. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, eyes, and nose, with hands that haven’t been washed.

4. Avoid contact with people who are unwell.

Take steps to protect others

1. Stay home if you’re sick
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

2. 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.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

3. Wear a face mask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people.

4. Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

5. Self-isolation
if you are in a risk group or asked for self-isolate, you should take action immediately. You must stay inside and avoid all contact with other people.