For now, just stick to the basics, Moorcroft says. The coronavirus is spread through respiratory vapor, such as when someone sneezes or coughs into the air around you. Influenza viruses and common cold viruses are also spread this way. 

"The things you should do to protect yourself from the coronavirus are things you should do every day," he points out. "The no. 1 thing you can do to prevent any respiratory illness is to practice good personal hygiene."

Moorcroft also reiterates the CDC's advice for avoiding coronavirus (and other respiratory diseases): 

• Wash your hands with soap or use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
• Sneeze and cough into tissues or the crook of your elbow. If you get mucus or spit on your skin, clean it off right away. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially people exhibiting respiratory symptoms and fever.
• Stay home when you're sick.
• Regularly and thoroughly clean surfaces, such as counter tops and doorknobs, with a disinfectant. 

Again, these are all basic protections that should be normal, everyday things. Moorcroft believes that extra protections, like wearing medical masks, aren't really necessary at this point, unless you have the virus or are being investigated for it. "As long as people aren't sneezing, coughing or otherwise depositing their respiratory excretions on you, you should be fine," Moorcroft says. 

The CDC and US Surgeon General have both stated that medical face masks aren't necessary for people who aren't at high risk (such as people who have already been in contact with people being treated for coronavirus), and that hand-washing is a better defense against the novel coronavirus.

The global novel #coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving. @CDCtravel has issued travel health notices for countries currently experiencing community spread of #COVID19. 

Washing your hands correctly -- using soap and water and washing for at least 20 seconds -- or using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available, still stands as the best way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, according to the CDC. 

On top of basic illness prevention, Moorcroft says the best (and only real) defense against disease is a strong immune system. Your body is better able to fight off illnesses when your immune system is really humming, he explains, and everyone should put in an effort to get theirs into tip-top shape. To do so, get enough quality sleep at night, stay hydrated, minimize overly processed foods, and get enough micronutrients in your diet.