Protect Yourself and Others

It’s an uncertain time. But there are things you can do to avoid getting sick and feel more in control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, do what you’d usually do to avoid getting sick:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—if you don’t have soap handy, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, but double-check that it is made with at least 60% alcohol 
• Cover sneezes and coughs—use the inside of your elbow, not your hands 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth—one small study suggests we may touch our face more than 20 times an hour! 
• Clean surfaces touched often—for example, doorknobs, handles, phones, keypads, or remote controls
• Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal disease if you haven’t already as any illness can weaken your ability to fight another infection

Beyond these tried-and-true measures, people with existing heart conditions should take additional steps to stay healthy and heart strong.