Updated September 2026: this article was written in early 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hygiene advice below is still sound, but lockdown-era guidance has changed, so check your local health authority for current advice.
The whole world was wondering how to deal with the pandemic. The best approach was not to panic and adhere to simple measures that will help increase immunity and not get infected with the coronavirus.
How to Protect Yourself From the Coronavirus
Below we list 17 simple but effective ways to prevent coronavirus.
Wash Your Hands
Answering the question of how not to get infected with the coronavirus, epidemiologists (and all doctors) unanimously repeat: “Wash your hands more often.”
This is nothing new: just use your usual soap and water and make sure to repeat the procedure for 20 seconds. By the way, many of the stars launched a flash mob on Instagram, clearly demonstrating, under their hits, how to properly perform hand hygiene.
Use Sanitizers
If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer. Experts recommend hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Rub the gel all over your hands and fingers. This procedure should also take at least 20 seconds. It would seem a simple solution, but it will help reduce the risk of contracting a virus.
Use Moisturizers
With frequent hand disinfection, you will immediately notice how your skin will dry. To maintain a healthy skin barrier, remember to be hydrated.
Excessive washing can lead to dryness, irritation, and cracking of the skin. This in turn can lead to rashes and may even put your hands at risk for skin infections. So after washing your hands, be sure to apply a good moisturizer right away.
Don’t Smoke Or Drink Alcohol
Since coronavirus is a respiratory disease, smokers are at risk. So if you’ve wanted to quit smoking for a long time, now is the time to do it. Heavy drinking also weakens the immune system, and alcohol does not protect against the virus. Therefore, look for an alcohol recovery program near you and try to get better before it’s too late.
Clean Your Rings
Be sure to clean your jewelry. Anything you wear every day, like a wedding ring, is dirtier than you think. It can collect dirt and microorganisms, leading to the spread of infection. Rinse jewelry well with jewelry cleaning solution and wipe it down every morning or night before bed.
Disinfect Door Handles And Electronics
Since you are currently at home all of your time, regularly disinfect the items you touch most often. Doorknobs and electronics, in particular, your mobile phone, can immediately be included in the list of “must sanitize”.
Remember, if you are still trying to solve the secret of how not to get infected with coronavirus, disinfect surfaces as often as possible.
Don’t Touch Your Face
Fingers that harbor bacteria can spread the infection, so avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with dirty fingers. In theory, this sounds simple enough, but in fact, it is much more complicated than you think.
If you find yourself constantly touching your face to straighten your hair, start using hair elastic. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
Throw Away The Tissue Paper
If you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose, get rid of the handkerchief immediately. This action will not only protect others, but it will also save you from the infection.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Yes, stress takes its toll on your health. Prolonged stress can affect all systems in the body, from immunity and digestion to sleep. Find out what can put you in stressful situations, and try to keep them to a minimum. If you are unsure of how to reduce stress during this time, seek professional help.
Get Enough Sleep
If you feel extra anxiety, it may be due to a lack of sleep. Remember that the optimal sleep duration is seven to eight hours. So get enough sleep.
Go In For Sports
Of course, now is not the best time for group yoga classes or hours of workout in the gym. However, 30-40 minutes at your usual pace will completely save the situation. You can workout at home.
Take Vitamins
Vitamins are not a panacea for all ills. However, most experts agree that they can be useful, especially at times when you need to boost or strengthen your immune system.
Don’t Forget About Your Gut Health
Intestinal health can have a profound effect on the body’s defenses. To improve bowel function, doctors recommend arming yourself with both prebiotics and probiotics. Still, health indeed begins from the inside.
Give Up Fast Food
Of course, a serving of fries won’t do much harm to your body. However, the constant consumption of fast food can lead to negative consequences.
Fast food (and in fact – the consumption of empty calories) creates an army of people with weakened immune systems. So for the time being, it’s best to avoid (or even give up) instant foods, even if they are cheaper and easier to get on the way home.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Include nutrient-dense foods, complex proteins, and whole grains in your daily diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet supports your immune system, although no food can prevent infection.
Maintain Social Distance
You may have heard this term more than once in recent days. The World Health Organization (WHO) advised keeping at least 1 metre from other people, and many countries set 1.5 to 2 metres. If you continue to use public transport, stay near the doors, navigate the cabin, or just wait for a less busy train or bus.
Don’t Touch Each Other
Minimize skin contact. Avoid kissing, hugging, hitting, and shaking hands. And remember, a heart-to-heart smile is a great alternative to a handshake. It can say and tell a lot more about you than body contact.
Conclusion
In this stressful time, it is important to take care of ourselves and take all precautionary measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones. There is no need to panic. Together, we will get through this difficult time. Just follow the above tips and stay safe.
