Infections occur when disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi enter your body and begin to multiply. Infections can be prevented by avoiding sources of infection or by vaccination before encountering the microbes. To avoid community-acquired infections, patients and the public should remember these recommendations [1]:
#1. Understand how infections are transmitted.
We know that most microorganisms enter our body through openings in the body, including our noses, mouths, ears, anuses, and genital passages. They can also be transmitted through our skin via insect or animal bites, and even from door handles. They can also be transmitted from the air. Therefore, the best way to prevent infection is to block those microorganisms from entering our bodies.
#2. Wash your hands often.
Handwashing is especially important before and after preparing food and before eating. It is also essential after you cough or sneeze, enter the home after being outside, touch your pets, and after using the toilet.
#3. Get vaccinated.
Immunization can drastically reduce your chances of contracting many diseases. Keep your recommended vaccinations up-to-date.
#4. Use antibiotics only when they are needed.
Take antibiotics only when prescribed. Do not pressure your doctors to prescribe antibiotics.[2] It would help if you asked, “Why am I taking antibiotics?” to verify the rationale.[3] Unless otherwise directed, or unless you are allergic to them, take all prescribed doses of your antibiotic, even if you begin to feel better before completing the dose.
#5. Stay at home if you have symptoms and signs of an infection.
Don't go to work or class if you're vomiting, coughing, have diarrhoea or are running a fever.
#6. Wear a mask when you are sick. If that’s not possible, cover all coughs and sneezes.
When you are sick and coughing or sneezing, tiny droplets of saliva and mucus carrying viruses are expelled into the air. These viruses can spread to those around you and make them sick too. Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to prevent you from spreading germs to others when you do not feel well.
However, we still recommend that you wear a mask if you are sick, which is shown to be protective factors of infectious disease such as COVID-19. If that’s not possible, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue paper when you sneeze or cough, then dispose of it in a sanitary manner. If no tissue paper is handy, cough or sneezes into your elbow rather than into your hands.
#7. Be smart about food preparation.
Keep counters, and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. In addition, promptly refrigerate leftovers. Don't let cooked foods remain at room temperature for an extended period.
#8. Eat cooked food and drink clean water.
Eating raw foods or unclean vegetables can increase the risk of infection and diarrhoea. In many countries, tap water is still contaminated with bacteria, and it is best to boil water before drinking.
#9. Avoid bugs
Both mosquitoes and ticks can carry several viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Use insect repellents during outdoor activity, drain any standing water near your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, and use animal-control to prevent mice, rats, and cockroaches that may carry harmful microbes.
#10. Prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Do not have unprotected sexual intercourse. Use condoms if engaging in sexual contact. Get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and have your partner get tested – or abstain altogether.
Check out these videos about infection:
The Immune system explained I- Bacterial infection
Germ Smart – Wash Your Hands!
Germ Smart – Wash Your Hands!
References
1 Mayo Clinic. (2017, March 08). Germs: Protect against bacteria, viruses and infection. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
2 Knapton, S. (2015, August 18). 'Soft touch' doctors should be disciplined for over-prescribing antibiotics. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11808015/Soft-touch-doctors-should-be-disciplined-for-over-prescribing-antibiotics.html
3 Laliberte, M. (n.d.). 12 Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Antibiotics. Retrieved from https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/antibiotics-side-effects-questions/#card-1/