Keeping one’s home and family free from infectious diseases is a daunting yet important job. Apart from the obvious, there are many more practical ways through which one can generally reduce the access of infectious disease causing bugs, bacteria and viruses to their body.
The frequent washing of hands is one such way. Disease causing microbes can survive in inert surfaces for between a few minutes to several months. It all depends on the nature of the environment and the microbe characteristics. Some live for long while others only survive for a few minutes. Regardless of the source, they can be present on surfaces like the computer keyboard, pedestrian crossing buttons or even the light switch. The simple washing of hands can save one from many infectious diseases. It is recommended that one wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, followed by drying using a paper towel. Without water, an alcohol based gel or wipe might be appropriate.
Another way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases is to avoid sharing personal items. Avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, handkerchiefs, or nail clippers.
Good personal hygiene is often preached as one of the ways through which one might avoid the transmission of infectious diseases. What many do not realize is that personal hygiene involves not only the consideration of oneself but also that of others, especially in a family setting. For instance, the simple act of covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing might prevent the transmission of flu or tuberculosis. The disease causing germs often start multiplying long before the severe symptoms emerge. Coughing or sneezing might prevent the spread of these symptoms through microscopic droplets in the air.
The immune system works by having a memory of ever infectious disease that affects the body. When the body experiences a disease causing microbe that has affected the body before, it raises the production of white blood cells and antibodies in order to prevent a second infection. This is the whole essence of vaccination. By getting vaccinated, one essentially tricks their body into believing it has been infected by some microbe. This way, the body enhances its protection mechanisms against any subsequent infection. Vaccines are the most effective methods of protection from infectious diseases. Many vaccines today are engineered to protect the body from the most common types of infectious diseases, for instance, influenza vaccines protect the body from influenza A and B strains.
One can very easily pick up infectious diseases as they travel, especially when travelling to a different continent. Find out as much as possible about the diseases common in the area of the world to which you are to travel, and get vaccinated against them. Take precautions like the use of insect repellant, using a safe water source and eating cooked foods. Avoid vegetables and fruits.
This might seem unnatural on this list, but one of the ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases is to keep up with current affairs on the news. An understanding of the current affairs can help one make important decisions about their travel patterns or involvement in recreational activity.