COVID-19 doesn't care how old you are. Anyone of any age can get COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. And cases among young people have been spiking recently.
While older individuals and those with certain pre-existing conditions are more at risk for developing serious symptoms from COVID-19, younger and more healthy people are still able to contract and spread the disease.
Protect Yourself & Those Who Are More At-Risk
Although their symptoms from COVID-19 are more likely to be mild should they become infected, there are good reasons for young people to take precautions against the coronavirus. For instance, some young and healthy individuals still get severely ill. Even though the odds of getting severely ill are smaller, anyone who is infected can spread the disease to those around them who may be at a greater risk, or who are in close contact with someone who is at greater risk. That might include older people and those with chronic conditions.
COVID-19 is mainly spread from person to person. It's transmitted through droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These can land on people who are nearby, or be inhaled into the lungs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests everyone take steps to avoid spreading the infection. That includes:
- Maintaining social distancing while out in public, or at work.
- Wearing a cloth face mask in public.
- Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently.
- Disinfecting shared surfaces frequently.
- Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a face mask, tissue, or elbow.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Take Care of Yourself
These healthy habits can also help you stay well, according to the World Health Organization:
- Don't smoke. COVID-19 affects the lungs. Smoking can increase your risk of developing severe symptoms if you have the virus.
- Get regular exercise. Aim for about 30 minutes a day. Children should be active for at least an hour a day.
- Eat a nutritious diet. That includes limiting alcohol and sugary drinks. This can help keep your immune system strong.
- Stay tuned in to your mental health. Stress can make you more vulnerable to illness. Relax by listening to music, reading a book, or playing a game. And cut back on your daily dose of news if it's making you too anxious.
