COVID-19 has brought us many challenges and continues to do so. The situation is unpredictable, and outbreaks are all around us, so it is necessary to keep yourself informed about the proper measures to help in mitigating the spread of the virus.
Here are good respiratory hygiene practices you can follow to protect yourself and the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu, and the COVID-19.
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Maintain at least a 3-feet distance away from others and avoid going to crowded places to prevent contracting the virus since it is primarily transmitted from person to person.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with uncleaned or sanitized hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay at home.
- Keep yourself updated on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities.
What to Do If You Are Sick
COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, or loss of taste or smell, may show up 2-14 days after exposure.
High-Risk Individuals (older adults or with existing medical conditions)
- If you are a high-risk individual and you develop fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, call your doctor. Call in advance if possible, and follow the directions of your local health authority so they can quickly direct you to the right health facility.
- If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can spend your recovery at home. Please follow your doctor’s instructions and refer to CDC recommendations for how to take care of yourself at home.
General Population:
- If you are in generally good health and are only experiencing mild symptoms, you can spend your recovery at home and self-isolate.
- Monitor your symptoms from time to time.
- If symptoms worsen, call your doctor.
If you need more information, here are some useful links you can visit.
- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)www.dshs.texas.gov
- Texas Health Tracewww.txctt.force.com
- COVID-19 Self-Checkerwww.txctt.force.com
- Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov