JORDAN KRISNA W.

A
X IPS 3
14
How to protect family and your self from corona virus:
Wash your hands
Yes, this is still the no. 1 way to prevent coronavirus, Dr. Moorcroft says. "The things you
should do to protect yourself from the coronavirus are things you should do every day," he points
out. "The no. 1 thing you can do to prevent any respiratory illness is to practice good personal
hygiene."

Washing your hands correctly -- using soap and water and washing for at least 20 seconds -- or
using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available, still stands as the best way to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases, according to the CDC.   

Stay home
The CDC, the WHO, governments and healthcare workers are all urging people to stay home if
they can. Obviously, some people don't have the luxury of working from home, and people still
need to venture out to grocery stores and gas stations. But when you can stay home, do so
to flatten the curve. 

If you do need to leave the house, follow some basic preventative measures.

Follow local public health guidelines

By mid-March 2020, many states, counties and cities implemented their own protective measures
to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Many public and private schools are closed, and
youth sports programs have been suspended just as college and professional sports have.
Restaurants and bars are closed or have limited hours and capabilities, as do other nonessential
businesses, such as clothing stores. 

If your state or local government has imposed guidelines, you should follow them to the best of
your ability. 
 Boost your immune system
On top of basic illness prevention, Moorcroft says the best (and only real) defense against
disease is a strong immune system. Your body is better able to fight off illnesses when your
immune system is really humming, he explains, and everyone should put in an effort to get theirs
into tip-top shape. 

"This is a time to focus on all the health habits you may have been putting off," Moorcroft says.
"Start daily activities and food choices that support your health and turn them into habits that
will lead to lifelong improvements in health. During this time, get adequate sleep and some fresh
air and sunlight daily." 

Also, stay hydrated, minimize overly processed foods and make sure to eat enough
micronutrients when you can (try your best with what you can find at grocery stores right now).

Try to stay calm

In addition to your physical health, you should take care of your mental health. High stress levels
can take a toll on your immune system, which is the opposite of what you want in this situation.
If you're feeling overly anxious about COVID-19, follow these tips from a psychotherapist to
keep your nerves calm.

Other tips
Moorcroft also reiterates the CDC's advice for avoiding coronavirus (and other respiratory
diseases): 

 Sneeze and cough into tissues or the crook of your elbow. If you get mucus or spit on
your skin, clean it off right away. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
 Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially people exhibiting respiratory
symptoms and fever.
 Stay home when you're sick.
 Regularly and thoroughly clean surfaces, such as counter tops and doorknobs, with a
disinfectant. 
As for face masks, the CDC still maintains that only those who are sick should wear them to
prevent the spread of the virus. If you are not sick, you don't need to wear a face mask unless
you're caring for someone who is sick.