Thousands of viruses and bacteria surround us, and we encounter them on a daily basis. Our immune system is pretty good at fighting off harmful germs, yet some can be very dangerous. The World Health Organization states that over 17 million people die each year worldwide due to infectious diseases.
However, you can usually prevent an infectious disease by putting to practice simple health guidelines in your day-to-day life. This article lists 6 different ways you can protect yourself from such harmful bacteria.
1. Wash Your Hands
You most likely wash your hands before cooking and after using the bathroom. However, it would be best to also wash your hands after coughing or sneezing or dealing with a pet or sick person.
Also, there is a correct way of washing your hands so, learning how to thoroughly cleanse your hands will increase your chances of preventing infectious diseases.
2. Cover Your Mouth
When you sneeze or cough, the ideal way to cover your mouth is with a napkin or tissue. If you don’t have any at hand, then cough or sneeze into your elbow.
3. Disinfect and Bandage Up Wounds or Cuts
You should never leave your wounds unattended, regardless of how small they may be. If you cut yourself, make sure you properly wash and disinfect the wound and bandage it up so you can avoid it from becoming infected.
4. Don’t Share
One of the biggest ways to spread harmful germs is via the mouth. Sharing things such as lip balms, eating utensils, and drinks can lead to you catching an infectious disease.
5. Get a Vaccine
Vaccination is probably the best way to prevent catching certain infectious diseases. There is a wide variety of diseases that can mainly be prevented by vaccines.
Even though vaccines are taken as a child, adults still need to look into keeping their vaccines up to date or even get some new ones.
6. Sanitize Well
Infectious disease transmission can occur as well through surfaces. Areas such as the bathroom sink, kitchen counters, or even the shelves of your own bedroom are great hosts for harmful bacteria. Regularly keeping them clean and disinfecting them with the right products will help kill off potential threats.
Even surfaces such as the soles of your shoes can lead you to catch an infectious disease. This resource shows the studies that have been conducted on the transmission of pathogens through shoe soles. Disinfecting them before entering your home is an effective way to prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria.
When to Seek Help for an Infectious Disease
An infectious disease can cause several symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, unusual headaches, or a persistent cough. If you have experienced signs of a possible infection, seek medical attention. Even if the symptoms are minor, it is best to visit your doctor to disregard any potential disease.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, keep exploring our webpage for more helpful health-related articles!