Viral respiratory infections, like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, can make you feel miserable for days or weeks.

While there’s no foolproof way to avoid getting sick, there are some basic steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the spread of illness.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viral respiratory infections is to wash your hands regularly. Proper handwashing involves wetting your hands with running water, lathering up with soap, and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.

Be sure to clean your hands thoroughly, including between your fingers, under your nails, and on the backs of your hands. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.

Avoid Touching Your Face

When you touch contaminated surfaces, like doorknobs or countertops, you can transfer viruses onto your hands. If you then touch your face, those germs can enter your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes.

To minimize your risk of infection, avoid touching your face as much as possible.

Stay Home When You’re Sick

If you have symptoms of a viral respiratory infection, like coughing, sneezing, or a fever, stay home until you’re feeling better. This can help prevent the spread of illness to others in your community.

If you must go out in public while you’re sick, wear a mask to minimize the spread of germs.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose When You Cough or Sneeze

If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your elbow. This can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections to others.

Be sure to dispose of used tissues in a waste bin and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Avoid Crowds and Close Contact with Sick People

When viral respiratory infections are spreading in your community, it’s a good idea to avoid large crowds and close contact with people who are sick. If you do need to be in a crowded space, wear a mask to minimize your exposure to germs.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Frequently

Viral respiratory infections can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and keyboards for several hours or even days. To minimize your risk of infection, clean and disinfect surfaces frequently.

Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and faucets. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure proper use.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can help boost your immune system and minimize your risk of getting sick. Be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage your stress levels.

These healthy habits can help keep your body in good shape to fight off infections.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccines can help protect you from many viral respiratory infections, including the flu and COVID-19. If you’re eligible for a vaccine, be sure to get one.

This can help protect not just yourself, but also the people around you who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

Monitor Your Symptoms

If you develop symptoms of a viral respiratory infection, like a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, monitor your symptoms closely.

If your symptoms worsen or you experience any emergency warning signs, like persistent pain or pressure in your chest, trouble breathing, confusion, or bluish lips or face, seek medical attention right away.

Conclusion

Preventing the spread of viral respiratory infections requires a combination of common sense, healthy habits, and adherence to public health guidelines.

By following these basic steps, you can help protect yourself and minimize the spread of illness in your community.