Youll find no shortage of medical advice out there during the coronavirus. Separating myth from fact, the current from the outdated can be tricky. And what advice is truly essential, the most important to prioritize?

Cutting through the noisethats why we asked doctors for the most important advice they wish you knew. Heres what they told us. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, dont miss these Sure Signs Youve Already Had Coronavirus

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The coronavirus threat is not ending anytime soon, no matter where you live. People of all ages can become seriously ill with COVID-19, and you can spread it even without developing symptoms. Follow all official recommendations about wearing face masks, social distancing and good hygiene practices to reduce the spread.

Wash your hands throughout the day, especially if you have been out and have just arrived home, before you touch anything in the house. And take social distancing seriously. It will be a while before you can see family and friends, but you put your like at riskand theirsby not following the rules, says Dr. Deborah Lee.

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Many people associate switching to diet soda, or other diet drinks, as a healthy alternative to some beverages, says Drew Miller, MD, a family physician in Lakin, Kansas. However, there have been numerous studies reporting the link between diet soda and weight gain, as well as increased risk of developing diabetes, heart problems, or other chronic health issues.

The Rx: Switch out that soda for water, seltzer without artificial sweeteners, or homemade spa water add slices of lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruit to a pitcher of H20.

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For the most part, people are trying to be helpful, live up to expectations and keep their patients healthy, says says Ariel B. Grobman, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist with Greater Miami ENT. Mistakes do happen, and problems can be missed, but we should have compassion for healthcare practitioners.

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Many people think that bubbling of hydrogen peroxide on a wound is proof that there were bacteria in the wound and that the bacteria are being killed, says Dr. Robert Beam of Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care in Kernersville, North Carolina. The bubbling justifies its repetitive use.

The Rx: Clean wounds with soap and water, apply antibacterial ointment, and cover with a Band-Aid. But skip the bubbly stuff. Hydrogen peroxide is a potent oxidizing agent, says Beam. It damages all organic material, bacterial and human.

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Breathing through the nose is a simple yet effective method to achieve better sleep, says Anil Rama, MD, adjunct clinical faculty at the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. Our nervous system consists of two parts: the sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system. The sympathetic or fight and flight system is active during the day; the parasympathetic or rest and digest system is more active at night. Any process that increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system makes sleep difficult. Mouth breathing increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

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If I could give one health tip, it would be to preserve your mental health and inner peace at all costs, says Sophia O. Tolliver, MD, MPH, a family medicine physician with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The Rx: Meditating in the morning and setting an inner agenda and positive intention can be a great way to set the tone for the day, she says. At the end of a long day, meditating to clear your mind of all negativity, forgiving the upsets of the day, and reconciling your authentic self can set the stage for restful and relaxing sleep and really is a form of self-care at its highest level.

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Get your annual screening mammograms, know your family cancer history, and educate your children about cancer risk identification, management and reduction, says Anjali Malik, MD, a breast imaging radiologist in Washington, D.C. Annual screening mammograms decrease deaths from breast cancer by 40 percent.

The Rx: With the top two risk factors for breast cancer being non-modifiable (female gender and aging), it is important for every woman, regardless of family history, to have an annual mammogram starting at the age of 40, he says.

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Knowing your family history of all cancers (breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, thyroid, lung, melanoma) may impact your overall risk for cancer, and may raise the need for genetic testing, says Malik. Identifying our risks, and knowing how to reduce those that are modifiable, are a key part of prevention and precision medicine in the 21st century.

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Aging is a process none of us are immune to, and so preparing for it is crucial, says Dr. Thanu Jey, DC, clinic director at Yorkville Sports Medicine Clinic. Many old-age accidents occur from falls, and its important to start fall-prevention training before its too late.

The Rx: As your parents age, its a good idea to begin stability and balance training early, so it becomes part of their daily routine, says Jey.

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Its important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, because overall health and wellness decreases chances of many problems, including heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and more, says Nodar Janas, MD, medical director of Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New York City. Eating mindfully can be a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy weight.

The Rx: At mealtime, Decrease your portion size by at least half, make sure you are actually chewing your food, make one meal daily only fruits and vegetables, and stop eating at least two hours before sleep, advises Janas. It takes 15 minutes for stomach receptors to send information to the brain telling it youre full, so if you eat slowly in the beginning of your meal, you may eat a third of the portion you might otherwise eat.

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If youre having pain with sitting for long periods of time near where the front pocket of your jeans are, this is probably coming from your hip joint, says Derek Ochiai, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor in Arlington, Virginia. You should probably not ignore it, and at least get it checked out by an orthopaedic surgeon, before it becomes arthritis.

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Even as cities reopen after the lockdown, it is still important to maintain a six-feet distance from other people to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Until a vaccine is developed, or an antibody test, we cannot be sure who is at riskso must assume everyone is at risk.

RELATED: Everything Dr. Fauci Has Said About Coronavirus

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When prescribed medication, ask your doctor to explain why you need it, and if you agree, be compliant, says Janas. In the U.S., we are being overmedicated.

The Rx: When you are prescribed a medication by your doctor, make sure to take the time to understand why its been prescribed, says Janas.

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Feed a cold, starve a fever is not true! says Betsy Koickel, MD, associate medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care in New York. Taking in an adequate amount of calories and fluids are important to your body fighting off most illnesses. Increasing your fluid intake during any illness is helpful to your immune system. Fasting during illness may make you more at risk for weakness, dehydration, and fainting.

The Rx: Eat as normal when youre ill, and make sure youre hydrating. Aim for four glasses of water a day when youre healthy; during illness, you might need more.

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If you think you should go to therapy, but dont really want to invest emotionally in it, arent really willing to be vulnerable and work hard and sometimes even suffer in it, it probably wont work so dont waste your time and money, says Gail Saltz, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine. Therapy isnt a magic wand, you actually have to fully participate in it.

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However difficult things are in life, take a few minutes every day to think about what you do appreciate, says Saltz. If you dont make a point of it, you probably wont do it and honestly you can completely lose perspective on your life.

The Rx: Take five minutes every day and think about what you do feel grateful for, says Saltz. Youll find that even over a couple of weeks youll feel more positively.

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The winter blues arent a myth or something to be ignored. Many people really do have a mood change for the worse when the days become shorter. If you feel seasonally down or irritable or tired and slowed down, try light! says Saltz. Its odd to people to think light could do something to your brain, but it does. You need the right type of light, and then daily use, but it can change your entire state of wellbeing during the fall/winter months.

The Rx: Many models of light boxes are available, from the inexpensive to the deluxe. Talk to your doctor about any season-related emotional changes youre feeling, and if light box therapy might be right for you.

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Make sure youre getting at least seven hours of sleep, says Janas. Lower room temperature if you cant fall asleep, or listen to relaxing music instead of relying on medications. Ironically, this is one I dont follow myself. I get about four hours of sleep a night because I am constantly getting calls from patients or colleagues. However, I have trained myself to work and function this way and I try, throughout the day, to take naps when possible.

The Rx: Experts like the National Sleep Foundation recommend getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night. If youre having chronic trouble getting that amount, talk to your doctor. He or she might advise cutting back on caffeine, limiting naps, getting more exercise or addressing anxiety or depression.

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You might not have had an injury, but you could still get a stress fracture, which is microscopic damage to the bone, says Velimir Petkov, MD, a board-certified podiatrist with Premier Podiatry in Clifton, New Jersey. You can get them by wearing flip flops, sandals or shoes that fail to provide sufficient cushioning and shock absorption. Walking, jumping, running or even standing for extended periods of time can cause stress fractures.

The Rx: Wearing comfortable shoes with good padding, as well as getting plenty of Vitamin D and calcium is important in preventing stress fractures, says Petkov. Your primary care doctor can order a bone density test to verify your bone mass.

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As nail salons reopen: Getting a pedicure might seem like a great idea, but many salons dont disinfect the whirlpools or footbaths properly, says Petkov. Drains and filters often dont get cleaned in between appointments. You can get a plantar wart, or a bacterial or fungal infection which would require medication, lots of patience and time to get rid of. Athletes foot (tinea pedis) is a very common fungal infection that spreads particularly well in moist areas.

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Those are eating the best foods, getting adequate exercise throughout the day, managing chronic stress, enhancing sleep, avoid all tobacco products, challenge your mind daily and spend time with friends and family, says Stephen C. Schimpff, MD, MACP, a board-certified oncologist and infectious disease specialist and author of Longevity Decoded The 7 Keys to Healthy Aging.

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We ate quality foods in my mothers day, but the emphasis was on meat as the centerpiece with vegetables as an add-on, says Schimpff. If she were alive today, I would encourage her to add many more vegetables to her diet organic if possible reduce the potatoes, and only buy grass-fed beef and free-range chicken.

The Rx: Make the vegetables one-half or more of your plate and the meat no more than one quarter, advises Schimpff. Increase fish for the omega-3s, use olive oil and eat nuts and seeds and avocados, all for their healthy oils.

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This is a very quick and inexpensive CT scan that can tell you if you have hard plaque in your coronary vessels, says Anthony Youn, MD, author of Playing God: The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon. I recommend it for anyone over the age of 40 whos concerned about developing heart disease. Its super-easy and inexpensive and just might save your life.

The Rx: Ask your doctor if the test is right for you.

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The most important advice I could give is to keep your mouth clean, says Carl Medgaus, DMD, a dentist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. People often dont realize the systemic effect that oral health has on the body. Plaque buildup on teeth, for example, can lead to atherosclerotic heart disease.

The Rx: Use an electric toothbrush with a two-minute timer, separated in 30-second intervals, so you know how long to spend on each section of the mouth, says Medgaus. Then equip yourself with a water flosser. No one likes to floss. Even I hate it. But it has to be done. Water flossing makes it easier. I had my doubts about water flossers at first, but clinical research shows that they are equivalent to traditional floss when it comes to removing plaque.

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Every day, drink a tea or coffee, and also a cup of pomegranate juice, says William W. Li, MD, author of Eat To Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself. Coffee and tea can slow cellular aging, starve cancer, reduce the risk of stroke, and improve longevity. Natural chemicals in pomegranate improves your gut microbiome to help boost the immune system.

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Dont stay long-term on estrogen replacement therapy, says Li. Many older women have been taking hormone replacements for years, but long-term use can increase the risk of breast cancer.

RELATED: Worst Things For Your HealthAccording to Doctors

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Eat more soy, says Li. Contrary to popular belief, soy doesnt cause breast cancer. In fact, research shows eating more soy actually lowers the risk of breast cancer.

The Rx: Experts recommend eating a moderate amount of soy one to two servings a day. Foods that are rich in soy include edamame, alternative meats such as the Impossible Burger, soy milk, tempeh and soy protein.

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As a healthcare professional, I cant stress this one enough, says Dena Nader, MD, regional medical director of MedExpress based in Washington, Pennsylvania. Washing your hands frequently, and well, is one of the best ways to avoid sickness and spreading germs to others. But what we often forget about are those other surfaces that we touch all the time our phones, steering wheels, doorknobs, faucets, toys, remotes that also harbor bacteria that can make us sick.

The Rx: I typically recommend to my patients that at least once a week, and more during cold and flu season, they remember to wipe down these frequently touched, but easily overlooked surfaces with antibacterial wipes to help slow the spread of germs, says Nader. Also, avoid putting pens or pencils in your mouth but if its a habit you just cant seem to break, make sure you disinfect these items every day.

RELATED: Everything Dr. Fauci Has Said About Coronavirus

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Many of the patients I talk to feel overwhelmed at the idea of regular exercise because they think its time consuming and hard work but it doesnt have to be, says Nader.

The Rx: Making little adjustments to your normal routine, like taking the steps instead of the elevator at work or in your apartment complex, can make a big difference, she says. When youre running errands, try parking as far away from stores as possible so you have to walk a little bit extra. Take time during your lunch break and get some steps in by walking around your building. If and when youre ready to take it to the next level, remember that its always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

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Dehydration is very common in fact, many of my patients dont even realize theyre chronically dehydrated, says Nader. Im always reminding my patients to drink more water even before theyre thirsty. If it becomes an ongoing issue, lack of water and dehydration can lead to serious complications, like urinary and kidney problems, heat-related illness, and seizures.

The Rx: While water is a great way to get and stay hydrated, there are alternatives for people who struggle to drink enough water or get bored with the taste, says Nader. Many vegetables, like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli, offer a unique alternative to water. And all fruits, especially grapefruit, watermelon, strawberries, and oranges, have a high water content and are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, too. Homemade fruit smoothies, coconut water, and water infused with fruits like lemon and strawberries are also great ways to spice up your liquid intake for the day.

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Breakfast really is one of the most important meals of the day, says Nader. Not only can it help control weight, but it also helps you get the important vitamins and minerals that you need in a day.

The Rx: I try to plan ahead as much as I can the night before, she says. There are so many different recipes for overnight oats, for example, which you can prep beforehand, so all you have to do is pull it out of the fridge the next morning. Pairing that with some fruit is a great first step to a healthy breakfast routine. If you are a morning person, try waking up a little bit earlier and starting simple. Opt for protein-rich eggs and pair it with a piece of whole-grain toast and some fruit.

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Loneliness is the leading epidemic plaguing individuals over the age of 50 in America today, says Prakash S. Masand, MD, CEO of the Centers of Psychiatric Excellence (COPE). It is often missed by healthcare providers and family members, yet its consequences can be far-reaching and even tragic.

The Rx: Feeling lonely and being lonely take a real toll on the brain and on your overall health, concurs Saltz. You truly need to connect with others and have a few relationships that matter and nourish you, this is not something to just let go on. Do what you have to do to keep a few people in your life to care about, to connect with, to invest in.

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Make the most of your relationship with your physicians, says Angela U. Tucker, MD, a family medicine physician with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Be organized when you go to your appointments with exactly what your concerns are and what symptoms have occurred since the problem started. If you feel that your health providers are not listening to you and have your best interest in mind, find someone who will. Your life may depend on it.

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Medicine has changed a lot in the previous 20 years, in terms of shifting focus toward improving quality of life, says Ariel B. Grobman, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist with South Florida ENT Associates. In the past, people were encouraged to seek treatment and intervention when things were really bad. In my line of work, having one deaf ear was previously seen as not that big of a deal, after all, you have a second good ear. Nowadays, we strive to improve patients lives by restoring function to as normal a level as possible.

The Rx: Everyone has a right to live their best life, says Grobman. Prioritize your mental and physical health, talk openly with your physician about symptoms, and dont suffer in silence.

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