Many contagious diseases spread when people spend time around infected people, even if they don’t actually have any physical contact. This can happen when an infected person coughs or sneezes and people around them breathe in droplets of saliva or mucus from their nose or mouth. If you’re around someone with symptoms of illness, like sneezing or coughing, avoid touching them and try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 m) at all times. According to the CDC, you may be at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus if you’re within 6 feet (2 m) of an infected person for a prolonged period of time (i.e., more than a few minutes), an infected person coughs on you, or you’re currently caring for or sharing a home with someone who has COVID-19. Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and others from the spread of disease. If you are in a public space or another area where you know you might be exposed to an illness, wash your hands often with soap and running water. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and make sure to wash your wrists, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands.  It’s especially important to wash your hands after going to the bathroom, after touching high-contact surfaces (such as doorknobs, railings, and light switches), and before handling food or touching your face. According to the CDC, warm and cold water are equally effective at washing away germs and viruses. What’s most important is that you use soap and wash for at least 20 seconds. If your skin is sensitive, using cool water can help prevent dryness and irritation.  If you don’t have access to soap and water, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Many viruses and germs enter the body through the mucus membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth. To prevent this, avoid touching your face as much as possible, since your hands may have come into contact with a contaminated surface.  If you have to touch your face, wash your hands before and after with soap and warm water. If possible, use a tissue if you need to wipe, rub, or scratch any part of your face. Throw the tissue away when you’re done. Even if you don’t think you’re sick, it’s important to protect others in your community and set a good example by practicing proper hygiene when you cough and sneeze. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue away. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you’re done. If you don’t have a tissue or don’t have time to grab one, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow instead of your hand. This will help prevent you from spreading viruses or germs when you touch things with your hands. In some cases, local health authorities may cancel large events or advise that people limit their time in public spaces in order to prevent the spread of disease. You may also need to limit your exposure to crowds and public areas if you’re particularly vulnerable to infection. If you’re not sure whether it’s a good idea to go out in public, ask your doctor for advice.  For example, the CDC currently recommends that people who are at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 should stay home and avoid crowded areas as much as possible. This includes older adults (people aged 60 and over) and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes. Immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, people using chemotherapy, or people taking immunosuppressive medications, are also at risk.  If your doctor or local public health officials advise that you stay home, stock up on necessary supplies such as any medications you are currently taking, groceries, and over-the-counter medical supplies such as tissues and cough medicine. If you live in an area that’s affected by an infectious disease outbreak, such as the COVID-19 virus, visit your local public health website for updates and information. They will provide information about how to protect yourself and others from illness and will let you know whether social distancing is necessary.  For example, try a web search like “Public health advisory coronavirus Kane County Illinois.” You can also check sources such as the CDC or World Health Organization website for more general information. Your local public health department may recommend social distancing for particularly vulnerable individuals, such as older adults or immunocompromised people. They may also enforce social distancing by canceling large community events or closing schools if there is evidence of a disease exposure risk.
निश्चित रूप से बीमार लोगों से कम से कम 6 फीट (2 मीटर) की दूरी बनाएं रखें: जब आप किसी सार्वजनिक स्थान पर जाते हैं, तो अपने हाथों को बार-बार धोएं: जितना संभव हो अपने हाथों को अपने चेहरे से दूर रखें: खांसते तथा छींकते समय अपने मुंह तथा नाक को ढक लें: भीड़-भाड़ वाली जगह पर जाने से बचें: प्रतिष्ठित पब्लिक हेल्थ वेबसाइटों से सोशल डिस्टेंसिंग पर जानकारी प्राप्त करें: