Question: What can I do to prevent getting COVID-19?
COVID-19 is spread from person to person. Until you can get a vaccine to prevent it, the best protection is to avoid getting the virus from other people. This means avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, and practicing good hygiene. See the inset below for a detailed list of prevention tips.
Question: What should I do if I feel sick and think I might have COVID-19?
Make sure to tell your doctor or other healthcare provider if you are feeling unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms or any other unusual or unexpected symptoms. Your provider can send you to get tested for COVID-19, if needed. Do not go to work or into public places if you are feeling sick. If you must be around others, wear a mask. Do not use public transportation or ride sharing services. Stay home and take good care of yourself with rest and hydration. Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider, and if you start to feel worse, seek medical care. Get urgent or emergency medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in thechest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
- Blue lips or face
- Anything that is severe orconcerning to you
If you call a medical provider’s office or 911, tell them that you are concerned about COVID-19. Do not go to work or into public places if you are feeling sick.
Question: Should I get a flu shot this year? Will it protect against COVID-19?
Yes – you should get a flu shot. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that getting the flu (influenza) vaccine is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but preventing the flu has many other benefits such as keeping you from being sick and possibly needing to go into the hospital. The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine starting in October and through January or later. This season, it is important to get a flu shot now if you missed getting one earlier in the fall.