CDC Recommends

• Though not specific to COVID19, the CDC highly recommends getting the flu vaccine for this season
• Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs
• Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
• If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure

Begin self-monitoring for fever: take temperature twice daily and remain alert for cough or difficulty breathing. If you feel feverish, develop a measured fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, immediately begin self-quarantine protocols and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider. 

For people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC self-quarantine protocols. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.

If you have been in China or another affected area or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, it is also recommended you follow CDC self-quarantine protocols.

Practice Good Habits

Good health habits, like covering your cough and washing your hands often, can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses.  The tips and resources below will help you learn about steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID19, flu, and other respiratory illness.

• Avoid close contact.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick.
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
• Cover your mouth and nose.
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands.
  Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits.
  Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Proper handwashing should last a MINIMUM of 20 seconds. Need a timer? Try humming the happy birthday song twice or Check out this list of 20 catchy song choruses that last 20-40 seconds! 

STOP GERMS! WASH YOUR HANDS – CDC Factsheet Downloads

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