For most people, COVID-19 causes a mild illness.
But some people are at a higher risk for getting very sick.
These include adults age 65 and older and people of any age with a serious health problem such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or immune system problems.
There are a lot of other health conditions that might also increase your risk.
So if you’re not sure if you’re at risk, call your doctor.
People who smoke are at higher risk.
So if you smoke, it's a good time to think about quitting.
Many people have found ways that helped them successfully quit, including using medicines and finding online support.
If you're pregnant, you may be at higher risk for serious illness if you get COVID-19.
You and your baby may also be at risk for pregnancy problems, such as preterm birth.
Here are seven ways to stay safe: One: Stay home as much as you can.
This may be the easiest way to avoid exposure, as long as no one else in your household has the virus.
And if there are a lot of COVID-19 cases in your area, do not leave your home except to seek medical care.
Two: If you need medical care, call first to let your doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital know that you’re coming.
They may want you to use a special entrance or go to a special area.
And if you do need to go in, be sure to wear a cloth face cover.
Three: Avoid visitors.
It’s especially important to avoid being around anyone who is sick or who might have been exposed.
Remember, people may not know that they have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it.
And they may not always have any symptoms.
Four: Have enough food, medicines, and other supplies on hand so that you won’t have to go out.
If you don’t have what you need, here are some options you can try: Use delivery and takeout services for groceries and meals.
Have a healthy family member, friend, or neighbor shop for you.
People want to help but may not know how.
So reach out and let them know when you need help.
And it’s okay to ask your doctor for extra prescription medicine.
Five: Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces at home.
These include countertops, faucets, door handles, doorknobs, and phones.
Six: If you need to go out, wear a cloth face cover over your nose and mouth.
Seven: If you do go out, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places.
These include elevator buttons and door handles.
If you must touch something, use a tissue or your sleeve to protect your hand or fingers.
You may need to use handrails or touch something to prevent a fall, and that’s okay.
Just remember to wash your hands well with soap if you touched any surface in public.
So, if you—or someone you know—is at higher risk for a serious illness from COVID-19, remember to stay home.
And if you need medical care, call first.
Avoid visitors, and have enough food, medicines, and other supplies on hand.
And make sure to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, wear a cloth face cover, and avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public.
As experts learn more about COVID-19, advice about what to do may change.
Find a reliable source of information for facts about new cases and what you can do to prevent spreading the virus.
Online resources you can trust are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Canada.ca and the World Health Organization.
With care and a little time, you’ll get through this.
Be kind to yourself and those around you.
Be kind to yourself and those around you.
