What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do?

Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

  • STAY HOME. If you must go out, make sure to leave at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
  • Stock up on supplies so you do not have to go into public.
    • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
    • If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
    • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
    • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (at least 6 feet).
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid travel.

Take everyday precautions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
  • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)

Information obtained from the CDC.


Show All Answers

1. How does COVID-19 spread?
2. What is community spread?
3. Can someone spread COVID-19 without being sick?
4. What can I do to protect myself and family from COVID-19?
5. What should I do if I had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
6. What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do?
7. Can the virus that caused COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated of frozen food?
8. Am I at risk for COVID-19 from package or products shipped from China?
9. What is the source of the coronavirus disease 2019?
10. Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?