Prevention

Although a very serious public health threat, the CDC believes the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general U.S. public is considered low.

There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Public health officials recommend everyone follow basic prevention guidelines to avoid spreading and contracting respiratory illnesses:

• Try to get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
• Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently with soap and water. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it when you cannot wash your hands.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. When you use a tissue, throw it in the trash immediately. Do not use a handkerchief.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Do not share cups, straws, or anything else you put in your mouth (especially vaping devices).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Disinfect surfaces that can be contaminated such as desks, phones, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.

In response to the growing public health threat, airlines have suspended flights to China for the time being.

The U.S. government has also imposed travel restrictions and screening and quarantine requirements for U.S. Citizens, as well as suspending entry for foreign-born persons who have been in China within the past 14 days.

Follow the CDC’s travel health notices or the U.S. State Department Travel Advisories.