Helping Prevent COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. It is very contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. For most people COVID-19 is a mild illness. For some people, it is a severe illness that may extend outside the lungs to affect other parts of the body and result in hospitalization.
Preventative actions can be taken to reduce the chances of getting COVID-19. It is especially important for people with risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 to take preventative actions. Examples of risk factors for severe COVID-19 include:
- Older age (> 65 years old).
- Having chronic heart, kidney, liver, or lung diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Having conditions that may weaken the immune system such as cancer, HIV and sickle cell disease.
To reduce the risk of getting COVID-19, there are several actions that a person can take:
- COVID vaccination: The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It is important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines because protection from the vaccine decreases over time. In addition, the COVID-19 vaccines are updated to fight against new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Previously, CDC recommended periodic booster shots. Currently, CDC recommends that most people receive an annual (yearly) shot with the most updated vaccine. Adults over age 65 years, people who are immunocompromised (have weakened immune systems), and children under 4 years old may need more than one shot. It is important to check with a healthcare provider regarding recommended vaccines based on individual factors.
- People with moderate-to-severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive medications or treatments may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. For these people, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of an investigational drug, pemivibart (Pemgarda), to help prevent COVID in people 12 years of age or older and weigh at least 88 pounds. Pemivibart may be used in addition to COVID vaccine. It is still being studied and there are criteria for its use. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if pemivibart is recommended for your individual situation.
- Self-care and health behavior changes:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Practice good hygiene: Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If soap and water are not available, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can also be effective.
- Avoiding touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Maintain physical distance: Avoid crowded places and put distance between yourself and others when possible.
- Wear a mask: Wearing a mask in public settings, especially when it is difficult to maintain physical distance from others, can provide an additional layer of protection. Masks should cover both the nose and mouth.
- If you get COVID: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, stay home if you get sick. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others. Test for COVID-19 to see if you have been infected.
Prevention recommendations may change with COVID-19 variants. Remember to stay informed about COVID-19 prevention measures by following guidance from reputable sources such as your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have any concerns or questions about COVID-19 prevention, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.