How to Protect Yourself & Others
COVID-19 Prevention Actions
There are many ways your actions can help protect you, your household, and your community from severe illness from COVID-19. CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels provide information about the amount of severe illness in the community where you are located to help you decide when to take action to protect yourself and others.
Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines help your body develop protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible get a booster and stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, especially people with weakened immune systems.
If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised or severely allergic to COVID-19 vaccines: Talk with a healthcare provider about whether you are eligible for a medicine called EVUSHELD™ that you can take before you are exposed or test positive for COVID-19. This medicine contains two different antibodies and is given by your healthcare provider every 6 months. EVUSHELD™ may offer less protection against certain strains of the Omicron variant. It is important that even if you receive EVUSHELD™, you take multiple prevention measures. See additional information for making a COVID-19 plan to protect yourself from infection.
Wearing Masks or Respirators
Senior high school days
Masks are made to contain droplets and particles that you breathe, cough, or sneeze out. A variety of masks are available. Some masks provide a higher level of protection than others.
Respirators (for example, N95) are made to protect you by fitting closely on the face to filter out particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19. They can also block droplets and particles you breathe, cough, or sneeze out so you do not spread them to others. Respirators (for example, N95) provide higher protection than masks.
When wearing a mask or respirator (for example, N95), it is most important to choose one that you can wear correctly, that fits closely to your face over your mouth and nose, that provides good protection, and that is comfortable for you.
