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:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you
• Wear a mask, even if you have been vaccinated
• Keep 6 feet from others who are not in your household
• 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. Make sure that it is made with at least 60% alcohol.

Also, it's important to do what you would usually do to avoid getting sick including:

• Cover sneezes and coughs – use the inside of your elbow, not your hands 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth 
• 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