UV Filters
I use clear or UV filters to protect my lenses. I know I am a chicken,
and they must degrade the quality of the lenses, however minutely.
Lens Hoods
Most lenses come with a hood and you need them to keep
extraneous light out, so by all means use them and if you have a
lens without one, track down the appropriate lens hood and buy it.
They are there for a purpose.