Protecting Others

Protection

The best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene! 

Get vaccinated.
  • Getting the recommended shots by your doctor will improve herd immunity, so not only are you protecting yourself, but you're protecting those around you too. (See Herd Immunity for more information).
  • This allows your body to make antibodies against a small component of the illness, so if/when you get it, your body mounts a larger and faster immune response.

Utilize proper handwashing techniques.

  • One of the most important things you can do is to ALWAYS wash your hands after using the restroom. Proper hand washing includes:
    1. Wet hands with clean, running water. 
    2.  Apply soap.
    3. Lather hands by rubbing them together with soap. Make sure the soap has been lathered on all parts of your hand: the palms, in between fingers, both thumbs, underneath fingernails.
    4. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. (Hint: Sing the song "Happy Birthday" twice)
    5. Rinse hands under clean, running water.
    6. Dry hands using a clean towel or allow them to air dry. Turn off the tap using a towel.
Image Source: Blessing Health Source

When should you wash your hands?
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • After caring for someone sick
  • After using the toilet
  • Before and after cleaning a wound
  • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • After touching an animal or handling animal waste
Reduce the amount of times you touch your face.
  • Another way to reduce your chances of getting sick is to not touch your face. Touching your face is one of the easiest ways for germs to enter into your body (via nose, mouth, eyes).


The average person touches their face 20 times per hour without a mask on, and 5.4 times per hour with a mask on.
Information Source: Pediatric Blood & Cancer

Practice proper cough hygiene.
  • If you are sick then you should cough/sneeze into your elbow or stay home so you do not risk getting others sick. 
    • Cover your mouth AND nose when coughing or sneezing. 
    • Use tissues and throw them away after use. 
    • Wear a mask when appropriate.

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