During winters, it’s common to experience minor illnesses like the flu, cough, and cold. However, these are also prominent symptoms of COVID-19. That is why you may not be completely sure if you are having a common cold or COVID-19.
Suppose you are working from the office while social distancing; take extra care if your co-workers are showing common symptoms. Illnesses like the flu or cold can lead to the rapid spread of coronavirus.
Similarly, if you often visit the supermarket often, you need to stay away from people showing symptoms like sneezing and coughing. In this article, we will share some effective ways to protect yourself from the virus during the winter months:

1.      Maintain Social Distancing

Maintaining a social distance is essential, especially when you are in a public place. It is better to order your groceries and food from online stores. Numerous e-commerce websites in the US provide home delivery facilities. If you need to leave your home for any reason, maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others while avoiding handshakes and hugs.

2.      Wash your Hands

Washing your hands using soap and water for 20 seconds is an effective way to eliminate viruses and bacteria from your hands. When you can’t do so, opting for an alcohol-based sanitizer will reduce the spread of the virus.
This will also protect you from other bacteria and viruses that can cause flu and cold. Whenever you sneeze, make sure to cover your mouth with your elbow. After you sneeze, instantly sanitize your hands or wash them with soap and water. Carry a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent ethanol. This way, you can instantly sanitize your hands whenever you touch a surface in a public place, such as a grocery store.

3.      Prevent Touching your Nose, Eyes, and Mouth

The virus enters your body through your mouth, nose, and eyes. When you touch public surfaces like on public transportation, at the grocery store, or gym, the virus spreads to you. Upon touching your mouth, eyes, or nose, you allow the virus to enter your body. Therefore, you should avoid touching surfaces in public places, or whenever you do, remember to sanitize your hands.

4.      Wear a Mask

Surgical masks protect you from vapors and droplets present in the environment. If you are leaving your home for an emergency or to get some groceries, you must wear your mask after sanitizing your hands.
As the cases of COVID-19 are drastically rising since the start of the winter season, it is obvious that the season is playing a significant role in the spread of the virus. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to follow all the above precautions to stay safe.