How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19

The best way to reduce the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19 is to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine boosters.

Schedule a vaccine appointment through myLoyola.

We recommend taking the following precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
   
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
   
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
   
• Stay home if you are sick.
   
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
   
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
   
• Improving ventilation and filtration in indoor settings can help prevent virus particles from spreading.

Precautions You Can Take if You Have COVID-19

You can take precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have or suspect you have COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community:

After Being Exposed to COVID-19

• Begin wearing a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed.
   
• Continue following the below precautions and watch for the below symptoms.

Precautions to Take

• Wear a high-quality mask or respirator any time you are around others
   
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a facemask
   
• Take extra precautions if you will be around people who may get very sick from COVID-19

Possible Symptoms*

• Fever (100.4 degrees or greater)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you develop any of the above symptoms, you should isolate immediately, get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until you know the result.

*This list does not include all possible symptoms