Since October 1, when the flu season started, there have been at most 41 million cases worldwide. In the last two weeks alone, 7 million more people have also fallen victim to COVID-19. These viruses are coming back, but with proper precautions, people can protect themselves and others.

1. Cover your mouth and nose: Viruses are spread by droplets made when people talk, cough, or sneeze. Wear a mask that contains the dangerous droplets if you think you or someone you are close with might be infected.
2. Maintain distance: When people breathe, they exhale small particles that may contain viruses. By avoiding crowded areas and close contact with others, you can protect yourself.
3. Isolate: These viruses are highly contagious, meaning they easily spread to others. If you know you are sick, then stay home and away from others until the virus dies.
4. Wash your hands: Using soap and water gets rid of harmful germs before you spread them to the rest of the body. This is because subconsciously, people touch their eyes or mouth with dirty hands, which is what leads to the spread of viruses (another tip: avoid touching your face or other susceptible body parts!).
5. Vaccine: Get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine on a yearly basis. They imitate the virus and train your immune system to fight against the real thing. By getting vaccinated, your response becomes stronger, and you are less vulnerable to the effects of the illness.

By following these five easy steps, you can defend yourself and limit the spread of dangerous viruses. Review these measures if you or a loved one are ever feeling unwell and stay up to date on the CDC precautions.