How can you avoid getting COVID-19, a cold and the flu?

When possible, get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you�re fully vaccinated, you can return to doing activities you might not have been able to do because of the pandemic, including not wearing a mask or social distancing in any setting — except where required by a rule or law.

If you haven�t had a COVID-19 vaccine, you can reduce your risk of infection from the viruses that cause COVID-19, colds and the flu by following several standard precautions. Research suggests that following these measures, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask, might have helped shorten the length of the flu season and lessened the number of people affected in the 2019-2020 flu season.

Standard precautions to reduce your risk of COVID-19, colds and the flu include:

• Avoiding close contact (within 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone outside your household, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness
• Wearing a face mask in indoor public spaces and outdoors where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as at a crowded event or large gathering
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Avoiding crowded indoor spaces
• Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, daily

Also, get an annual flu vaccine.