When it comes to the new coronavirus going around (aka COVID-19 ), good hygiene seems to be our best line of defence. Because the virus has only been on our radar for a couple of months, we dont have a preventive vaccine yet, nor do we have an effective way to treat the respiratory illness the virus causes. And though researchers are getting close to putting potential vaccines to the test, itll likely be about a year before theyre ready for us.

That doesnt mean you should panic. Though some peoples illnesses will be severe, the vast majority of COVID-19 illnesses are probably going to be relatively mild, even asymptomatic (a recent report from China looking at over 72,000 infected people shows 80% of cases are mild).

Nows the time to up your personal hygiene habits, according to health experts.

Heres how long the coronavirus can survive and spread.