Steps to Prevent Illness
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.
Stop the spread of germs CDC handout: English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese
Take 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 touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep about 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people in public spaces.
Higher Risk for Serious Complications
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. Please talk with your physician about additional steps you can take to protect yourself.
Printable COVID-19 Handouts
If You Test Positive for COVID-19
Stay home if you’re sick
If you have COVID-19, it’s important to isolate yourself and not spread the virus to others. Leave your home only for medical care.
Read tips on caring for yourself at home.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Your physician will discuss follow-up care options with you. Virtual visits are available for those with COVID-19, and symptom monitoring happens through a secured text messaging system.
Watch for changes in your health
Be sure to call your physician if your symptoms get worse or you are not getting better as expected.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care
For example, call if you have life-threatening symptoms such as:
- You have severe trouble breathing. (You can’t talk at all.)
- You have constant chest pain or pressure.
- You are severely dizzy or lightheaded.
- You are confused or can’t think clearly.
- Your face and lips have a blue color.
- You pass out (lose consciousness) or are very hard to wake up.
ChristianaCare receives new monoclonal antibody treatment to help those at highest risk of complications from COVID-19 – Read more
After You Recover from COVID-19
As you recover from COVID-19, your primary care physician can work with you to re-establish an exercise routine, advise on healthy eating habits, and give you guidance on managing your health based on your personal health history and family history.
If you do not have a primary care physician, you should contact one of ChristianaCare’s offices in your neighborhood. Virtual visits are currently available at some primary care locations.
If you have been symptom free for at least 14 days, consider registering to donate plasma that will help to treat those who have a high risk of getting a life-threatening form of COVID-19. A single plasma donation can help up to four patients.
It is not clear whether you could be re-infected with COVID-19, so it’s important to continue to practice social distancing and to frequently wash your hands.
