Now is the perfect time to improve your immune system in order to fight off infections, such as COVID-19. Our medical professionals recommend getting healthier. You can exercise, manage your cholesterol and blood pressure, and eat more fruits and vegetables. 

Beyond the traditional hand hygiene, which is incredibly important, lifestyle changes that all of us could make at this point is to get healthier according to Joshua Lenchus, D.O., chief medical officer at Broward Health Medical Center.

Broward Health is committed to the health and wellness of our community. This added safety measure is to safeguard our patients, visitors and to protect our caregivers from the spread of COVID-19.

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at here.

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

•  Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

We encourage all community members to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols. These include, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and using a tissue or the upper sleeve of your shirt to contain a sneeze or cough. The CDC also recommends individuals practice social distancing and avoid close contact with people who may be sick. You are also advised per federal and state officials to not participate in any group encounters with more than 10 people.

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
These include:

Stay home except to get medical care

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
  
  
• Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
  
  
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
  
  
  
• Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
  
  
  
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.