Your nose is stuffy, you’re developing a cough, and you’re running a fever. Your first thought is you may have a cold or flu — and then, you remember the topic that’s all over the news. You wonder: Could this be COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus?
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“For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been reading news stories that include steps to keep our family from getting the coronavirus and I’m having a really hard time following the new rules,” Los Angeles mom Yvonne Condes told Mom.com. ”I keep saying that I’m not going to shake anyone’s hand, but when someone reaches their hand out, I shake it. You’re not supposed to touch your face; I can’t stop touching my face. I’m hoping that washing hands will do the trick.”
Condes is not the only mom who is struggling with this new virus, even though practicing good hygiene has been standard advice for preventing colds and flu for years. You can avoid infecting yourself with the novel coronavirus in the same ways.
King County, Washington, was the site of one of the first COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States. Their public health department worked with the CDC to issue an advisory which can serve as a guideline for the rest of us as the coronavirus spreads.
Here are some highlights:
- People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible.
- People considered at higher risk include those who are:
- Over 60 years of age
- With underlying health conditions including include heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- With weakened immune systems
- Who are pregnant
- Stay home when you are sick. If you are ill in any way, call your doctor’s office first before going in.
- Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities, limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients.
- Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, unless you’ve just washed your hands.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
