Because of their risk, COVID-19 prevention methods are crucial for older adults. The CDC recommends several steps they can take to prevent infection:
Stay home: Because being in contact with someone who is infected puts you at risk, staying home can lessen that risk. Avoid any unnecessary trips out of the house.
Wash your hands: Use soap and water and scrub for 20 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water are unavailable, you can use hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol. It’s especially important to wash after coughing or sneezing, before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after touching common surfaces.
Clean and sanitize common surfaces: This includes tabletops, counters, doorknobs, telephones, remote controls, and other objects that you frequently touch. Use disinfectant wipes or a household cleaning spray.
Don’t touch your mouth, nose, or eyes: Touching your face, especially with unwashed hands, can cause you to become infected if you have come in contact with the virus.
Follow facemask recommendations: The CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public, especially in places like grocery stores and pharmacies.
If you have any questions about COVID-19 and how you can prevent it, contact your health care provider. Visit UPMC.com/COVID19 for more information.