For Physicians
Pay Your Bill Online
Get ER Appointment
Request Medical Records
Insurance Info
Download App
Careers/Jobs
Contact Us
Review Us
For Physicians
Request Medical Records

# Steps to Avoid Getting Coronavirus

By SignatureCare ER | March 11, 2020 | Categories: Health & Wellness

Information below is courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

> Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

### Steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

### Avoid close contact

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

### Steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
  Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include: Diluting your household bleach.

To make a bleach solution, mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Alcohol solutions – Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

Share this article:

## Related Articles

### Digestive Health: When GI (Gastrointestinal) Issues Become Emergencies

May 30, 2026

### Measles Is Back in Texas—And It’s Worse Than You Think

Jul 10, 2025

### Emergency Room Physician Sounds Alarm as Flu Infections Continue to Rise in the U.S.

Feb 12, 2025

### Board-Certified Emergency Room Physician Details How Texas Families Can Avoid ER Visits this Winter

Jan 25, 2024

### Benefits of Exercise for Chronic Pain Management

Sep 26, 2023

### Headache and Migraines: Everything You Should Know

Aug 30, 2023

### Paris Back-to-School Bash Draws Over 5,000 Attendees

Aug 11, 2023

### SignatureCare ER Breakfast of Champions First Responders Drive-Thru Breakfast

Jun 14, 2023

### What is Abdominal Pain?

Feb 13, 2023

### Houston ER Physician Answers Your Questions About BA.4 and BA.5 Covid-19 Subvariants

Jul 15, 2022

#####
Our Locations

Texarkana, TX
Odessa, TX
College Station/Bryan, TX
Midland, TX
Killeen, TX
Frisco, TX
Plano, TX
Bryan, TX Coming Soon)
Aggieland/College Station, TX (Coming Soon)
Emergency Room Locations•Contact Us•Review Us•Insurance Info•Blog•Scholarship•Awards•Notice of Privacy Practices•Our Stand Against Racism•Message to Medicare Patients