COVID-19 is still circulating, and while many infections are mild, the illness can still cause serious complications for some people. Older adults, people with certain underlying health conditions, and people with weakened immune systems are among those at greater risk of severe illness.
The good news is that several practical steps can lower your chances of becoming infected, spreading COVID-19 to others, or becoming seriously ill.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads mainly through respiratory particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, sneezes, or sings.
Transmission is more likely when people spend time close together, especially indoors or in spaces with poor ventilation. Because people can sometimes spread the virus before they realize they are sick, prevention is most effective when several protective measures are used together.
1. Consider Staying Up to Date With COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Current CDC recommendations use an individual-based decision-making approach for COVID-19 vaccination. The potential benefit is particularly important for older adults and people who have a higher risk of severe COVID-19.
Because vaccine recommendations can change based on age, health conditions, previous vaccination, and the vaccines currently available, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about what is appropriate for you.
2. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Cleaner air can reduce exposure to respiratory viruses.
When possible:
- Open windows and doors to increase fresh-air circulation.
- Use exhaust fans or ventilation systems.
- Spend time outdoors instead of in crowded indoor spaces.
- Consider using a portable HEPA air cleaner in frequently occupied rooms.
These precautions can be especially useful during periods when respiratory illnesses are spreading widely.
3. Wear a Well-Fitting Mask When Extra Protection Is Needed
Masks can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in crowded indoor environments, poorly ventilated spaces, or when you are around someone at higher risk of serious illness.
A mask should fit comfortably and closely around your nose, mouth, and chin without large gaps. Higher-quality respirators generally provide greater protection when they are worn correctly and consistently.
Masking can also help reduce the chance of spreading the virus to others if you are infected.
4. Stay Home When You Are Sick
If you develop symptoms of a respiratory illness, staying away from others can help prevent transmission.
Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Shortness of breath
- New loss or change in taste or smell
Symptoms can overlap with influenza, RSV, and other respiratory infections, so symptoms alone cannot always tell you which illness you have.
When you return to normal activities after being sick, using additional precautions—such as masking, improving ventilation, distancing, or testing—can further reduce the chance of infecting someone else.
5. Practice Good Hygiene
Regular handwashing remains a useful everyday health habit.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or spending time in public places. When soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be useful.
Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and cover coughs and sneezes appropriately.
6. Consider Testing When It Can Guide Your Decisions
COVID-19 testing can be helpful when you develop symptoms, have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or are planning to spend time around someone who is especially vulnerable to severe illness.
A negative rapid antigen test does not always rule out an infection, particularly early in the illness. Depending on the circumstances, repeat testing may be appropriate.
Follow the current instructions provided with your test and the latest public-health recommendations.
7. Take Extra Precautions Around High-Risk Individuals
Some people face a substantially greater risk of complications from COVID-19.
Extra precautions may be worthwhile when visiting:
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with certain chronic medical conditions
- People recovering from major illness or medical treatment
Improving ventilation, avoiding visits while sick, considering testing, and wearing a well-fitting mask can help create an additional layer of protection.
What Should You Do If You Get COVID-19?
If you become sick, monitor your symptoms and reduce contact with other people while you are ill.
People who are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 should contact a healthcare professional promptly because antiviral treatments may be available. Some COVID-19 treatments work best when started early in the course of illness.
Seek urgent medical attention for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Prevention Works Best in Layers
There is no single prevention strategy that eliminates all risk of COVID-19.
Instead, think of prevention as several layers of protection. Vaccination, cleaner indoor air, appropriate masking, staying home when sick, testing when useful, and good hygiene can work together to reduce your risk and protect the people around you.
Your personal level of precaution may also change depending on your health, the health of those around you, and how much respiratory illness is circulating in your community.
The Bottom Line
COVID-19 has not disappeared, but there are practical ways to lower your risk.
Stay informed about current vaccination recommendations, improve indoor ventilation when possible, consider a well-fitting mask in higher-risk situations, avoid close contact with others when you are sick, and take additional precautions around people who are vulnerable to severe illness.
Small preventive steps can make a meaningful difference—especially when several are used together.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about recommendations appropriate for your health and circumstances.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 Prevention and Respiratory Virus Guidance
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance
- World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information
