In honor of the breaking news reports surrounding the coronavirus I did some reflecting and decided to take this time to remind everyone of something so important: individuals who are immunocompromised.

Whether they are tiny babies who just don't have the immune system yet, individuals with autoimmune diseases, individuals going through chemotherapy, or any other person who may not have the option of vaccines, here is a word of advice: wash your hands.

Do you have a slight cold but really want to see that cute newborn baby? When you see that baby, do you bend down and kiss their little hands or feet, despite mom not wanting people to kiss their child because of RSV season?

Looking out for others who don't have access to vaccines or others whose immune systems are so low that a public place is seen as a giant petri dish requires personal responsibility as we move forward in this pandemic. Looking out for others who can get extremely sick is the right thing to do.

My message: wash your hands. If you're sick, don't go around others whose lives depend on not being sick. If your child is sick, please keep them home rather than send them to school. Don't think about secretly smothering the newborn with love when the parents have made it clear that they want to eliminate as much risk as possible, and please do not judge them for it.