What precautions should I take to reduce the risk of COVID‑19 infection and severe disease?

COVID-19 Precautions to Reduce Infection Risk and Severe Disease

To reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection and severe disease, wear a well-fitting mask (N95/FFP2 respirator preferred) in indoor public spaces, maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) physical distance from others, ensure adequate ventilation, practice frequent hand hygiene, get vaccinated and boosted, and seek early treatment if infected—particularly if you are at high risk for severe illness. 1, 2, 3

Core Prevention Strategies

Respiratory Protection and Face Masks

• Wear masks consistently in indoor public settings and crowded outdoor spaces, as universal face mask use is a critical evidence-based strategy 2
• N95/FFP2 respirators provide superior protection compared to surgical masks, particularly in high-risk settings 1, 4
• Surgical masks are acceptable for lower-risk situations but offer less filtration efficiency 5
• Ensure proper fit—masks must cover both nose and mouth completely 5, 6

Physical Distancing

• Maintain at least 2 meters (approximately 6 feet) separation from others, though evidence shows droplets can travel up to 8 meters in some cases 5, 7
• Avoid nonessential indoor spaces and crowded outdoor gatherings 2
• Limit in-person contacts, especially with individuals outside your household 2
• The traditional 1-2 meter rule may be insufficient in poorly ventilated spaces, as SARS-CoV-2 can remain viable in aerosols for 3 hours and has been detected up to 4 meters from infected patients 7

Hand Hygiene and Surface Disinfection

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently throughout the day 5, 6
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with >60% ethanol or >70% isopropanol when handwashing is unavailable 5
• Clean hands before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose 5
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly 2
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands 5

Ventilation

• Improve indoor air quality by increasing ventilation and air exchange 2, 8
• Open windows when possible to increase fresh air circulation 8
• Use air filtration systems where available 1
• Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces, as aerosol transmission risk increases significantly in these environments 7

Vaccination and Therapeutics

Vaccination Priority

• Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date with boosters—this is the single most effective intervention to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death 3
• Vaccination substantially reduces risk for medically significant COVID-19 illness even with breakthrough infections 3
• Immunity from vaccination combined with previous infection provides the strongest protection 3

Early Treatment Access

• If you develop symptoms or test positive, seek early treatment immediately, especially if you have risk factors for severe disease 3
• Antiviral agents and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies significantly reduce progression to severe illness when given early 3
• Persons who are immunocompromised should discuss preexposure prophylaxis options with their healthcare provider 3

Testing and Isolation Strategies

When to Test

• Get tested if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell) 5, 3
• Test after known exposure to someone with COVID-19 5, 3
• Wear a mask while awaiting test results if you have been exposed 3

Isolation if Infected

• Isolate for at least 5 days if you test positive 3
• Do not go to work or public spaces if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, or feel sick 5
• Avoid contact with others, especially those at high risk for severe illness 5

Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals

Understanding Your Personal Risk

• Risk for severe illness increases with age, disability status, and underlying medical conditions (chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, immunocompromised status) 5, 3
• Smokers have 2.4 times higher risk of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or death compared to non-smokers 5
• Environmental factors like air pollution may increase COVID-19 mortality risk 5

Enhanced Precautions for High-Risk Persons

• Prioritize N95/FFP2 respirators over surgical masks 1, 4
• Minimize time in indoor public spaces 2
• Ensure priority access to vaccination, boosters, and therapeutics 3
• Consider additional protective measures during periods of high community transmission 2

Workplace and Community Settings

Workplace Precautions

• Do not go to work if you have any symptoms, fever, or known exposure 5
• Avoid handshaking and maintain physical distance from coworkers 5
• Bring your own food and water—do not share 5
• Disinfect shared equipment, tools, and vehicle interiors before use 5
• Drive alone to work when possible—avoid carpooling 5

Respiratory Etiquette

• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or your elbow, never your hands 5
• Dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands afterward 5
• Wear a face mask to protect others if you must be around people while symptomatic 5

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Mask Misuse

• Wearing masks below the nose or with gaps defeats their purpose—ensure complete coverage of nose and mouth with no gaps 5, 6
• Cloth masks provide minimal protection compared to medical-grade masks—upgrade to surgical masks or N95/FFP2 respirators when possible 1, 4
• Reusing disposable masks reduces effectiveness—follow manufacturer guidance on reuse 4

False Sense of Security

• Vaccination does not eliminate infection risk entirely—continue other precautions, especially during high transmission periods 3
• Hand sanitizer does not replace handwashing when hands are visibly dirty—use soap and water 5
• Temperature checks alone miss approximately 50% of infections, as many infected persons are asymptomatic 5, 2

Underestimating Aerosol Transmission

• The 2-meter rule may be insufficient in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, as aerosols can travel further and remain suspended 7
• Brief encounters in indoor spaces can still transmit infection—minimize time in shared indoor environments 2, 7

Delayed Treatment Seeking

• Waiting too long to seek treatment reduces therapeutic effectiveness—contact your healthcare provider immediately upon symptom onset or positive test 3
• High-risk individuals should have a treatment plan established in advance 3

Travel Considerations

• Postpone nonessential travel during periods of high community transmission 2
• If travel is necessary, maintain all precautions including masking on public transportation 2
• Test before and after travel, especially if visiting high-risk individuals 3