nprglobalhealth:

If we believe that an unknown pandemic is overdue, what precautions are reasonable to take now? We turned to four infectious disease experts for answers.

✔ Vaccines

To maximize your protection from a new disease, make sure you and your family are up to date on vaccines for known diseases, from the flu and pneumonia to shingles and whooping cough.

✔ Virus knowledge

One of your best weapons during a disease outbreak is knowledge, says Dr. Jonathan Temte of the University of Wisconsin. "Keep up with the news and try to understand what threats might be out there,“ he says.

✔ Very clean hands

The CDC calls hand-washing the “do-it-yourself vaccine.” And all the experts repeated the recommendation: Learn how to clean your hands properly and do it.

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