Our goal is toPeople at high risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 include older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma and HIV, and people with underlying diseases, including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
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 availaaccording to the CDC.
"Over 80% of people will have only mild symptoms from COVID-19. Adults who are healthy and active generally do the best," Dr. Moorcroft says, but part of the problem is that young, healthy people can spread the virus to people who will not tolerate it as well as healthy populations.
"Physical distancing is a key component to decrease asymptomatic spread," Dr. Moorcroft explains. "This works by minimizing your risk of being exposed to the virus and, if you are an asymptomatic carrier, you minimize the potential that you infect someone else."
While this may sound very simple, Dr. Moorcroft emphasizes that it is effective and "imperative at the current time." decelerate the propagation of the virus to prevent the collapse of the health system.
Nothing has changed about the way COVID-19 spreads, Dr. Moorcroft says, so the basics still apply. The coronavirus is spread through respiratory vapor, such as when someone sneezes or coughs into the air around you. It can also spread if someone who is infected sneezes or coughs into their hand, then touches a door handle, light switch and other "high-touch" surfaces.
Influenza viruses and common cold viruses are also spread this way. However, now that the virus is more widespread in the world, other preventative guidelines do apply, such as the
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."
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).
now-well-known concept of social distancing
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