It’s official. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) a global pandemic. It’s spreading fast, infecting more than 125,000 people worldwide (as of March). And that's not all. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the virus to keep spreading beyond this year. 

"We don't know a lot about this virus," CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield told CNN in an interview on Thursday. "This virus is probably with us beyond this season, beyond this year, and I think eventually the virus will find a foothold and we will get community-based transmission."

To date, there is no medication that can prevent or treat COVID-19. But, anyone infected with the virus should consult healthcare professionals for appropriate treatment.

It sounds bleak, but there’s no reason to panic. Here’s what you need to do to stay healthy, according to the experts:

1. Know the symptoms.

Fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and trouble breathing are some of the common symptoms of COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "It can be more severe for some persons and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties.” For healthy, young adults, the impact of the virus is generally less severe. 

Older adults should take caution. "More rarely, the disease can be fatal,” the WHO cautions. “Older people and people with preexisting medical conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus."

It’s important to take symptoms seriously, particularly if you are over the age of 60. "We now know more about who is at risk," US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said. "[The] average age of death for people from coronavirus is 80. The average age of people who need medical attention is age 60."

If you suspect that you have contracted COVID-19, contact your doctor right away, and try to stay indoors.  Speaking of which...

2. Maintain social distancing.

If possible, stay indoors, even if you're not displaying any symptoms. A person could be an asymptomatic carrier. This means you could unknowingly spread COVID-19 when you interact with other people.

If you truly can’t avoid going outside, practice social distancing. Maintain at least 3 feet (or 1 meter) distance between yourself and anyone who may be infected. According to the WHO, “When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.”

Also, avoid shaking hands! Respiratory illnesses can be transmitted by shaking hands, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Try to greet people with a wave, nod, or bow instead. Some people are opting for elbow bumps!

3. Wash your hands frequently.

The CDC recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Take care to do so after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If you don’t have soap and water available, use a hand sanitizer. Try to find a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. For proper application, cover all surfaces of your hands with the sanitizer, then rub them together until they feel dry.

Also, be sure to avoid touching your face (particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth). According to the WHO, your hands touch many surfaces throughout the day and can pick up viruses. If they become contaminated, then your hands can transfer the virus into your eyes, nose, or mouth. From there, COVID-19 can enter your body and can make you sick.

4. Practice good respiratory hygiene.

Make sure that you and your loved ones follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, don’t forget to dispose of the used tissue right away! And, of course, wash your hands again after you cough or sneeze.

Another way to practice good respiratory hygiene is to wear a face mask if you’re experiencing symptoms or if you’re a healthcare professional. But you don’t have to wear a face mask all the time! The CDC recommends wearing a face mask when you’re around other people (like if you’re in a car with someone else) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. The CDC recommends the N95 respirator mask for those who need it. Keep in mind that not all facial hair is compatible with the N95 mask. The CDC released an infographic demonstrating which facial hairstyles are riskier than others.

5. Disinfect everything.

We don’t yet know how long COVID-19 can live on surfaces. In the meantime, it’s better to disinfect everything regularly. The CDC encourages everyone to practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners. Always keep disposable wipes handy. Ensure any cleaning solution used has at least 70% alcohol content.

If you run a business, set disposable wipes out for employees and/or customers to use. (The CDC has a complete guide to effective cleaning techniques available on their website.)

6. Plan ahead.

It’s possible that COVID-19 will continue to disrupt normal life. This is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared. Take steps to identify aid organizations in your community. Creating an emergency contact list. And plan for ways to take care of those who may be more susceptible to the virus. 

If you have children, learn about the emergency operations plan at their school. Your district may opt for temporary school dismissals to help slow the spread of illness. Discuss sick-leave policies at your own place of employment. Ask if your employer will be willing to accommodate telecommuting. 

Lastly, stay informed about your local COVID-19 situation! It’s always better to be in the know.  Sign up to get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials.