How to keep your home safer from the coronavirus

With COVID likely to increase in the winter, it's time that we prepare our homes for the pandemic. According to the EPA and recent research, there are several steps we can take to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID in our homes.

Here are several key steps we should take to stay safe:

Leave windows open as much as possible.

Use window-based AC units if they bring in fresh outside air.

Leave your central AC/Fan/heater on, particularly if it is equipped with a high-quality filter. If you have the option, set your central AC to pull in outside air.

Do not share items in your home like toothbrushes, sheets, etc.

Use portable air purifiers if they're equipped with a HEPA filter.

If someone in the home has COVID, they should occupy their own room. If they need assistance, they should only have one caregiver. Everyone should wear masks around someone with (or at risk for) COVID

Clean high-touch surfaces often. In particular, focus on doorknobs, handles, and frequently used common areas.

Replace high-touch door knobs with brass or copper, as the virus appears to die sooner on these materials.

It is important to note that fresh air and filters are helpful, but they are not as important as basic hygiene like hand-washing, masks, and social distancing. 

Watch the video below to learn more about protecting your home from COVID.

Contact Dr. Charlop today with any questions or to arrange an appointment. Learn more about anti-aging and performance medicine from Dr. Charlop's new book Why Doctors Skip Breakfast: Wellness Tips to Reverse Aging, Treat Depression, and Get a Good Night's Sleep. Also available as an audiobook from Audible.