4 Precautions You Can Take Against Infections

Written By Emma Sturgis / Reviewed By Ray Spotts 

Infections can occur in the body, mouth, skin, and elsewhere. Infections vary: some are mild, but others can be life-threatening. Infection prevention is very important, especially for weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses such as HIV prevention and diabetes mellitus.

It's easy to become infected with germs because they're everywhere: on hands, objects we touch every day - like phones - and even food. The best way to prevent infection is by taking precautions against them. We will learn four precautionary steps that you can take to reduce your risk of getting an infection.

Wash Your Hands

The first precaution you can take against infections is the simplest one: wash your hands! Soap and water kill germs that may be on our bodies or on objects we touch. An easy way to remember this step is by using the "Hands Are Not For Touching," an acronym for HAT.

This simple washing step is so effective because it removes bacteria, viruses, and other germs from our bodies. Another way to wash your hands besides using soap and water is by using hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers kill 99 percent of all types of harmful germs after just 15 seconds. However, they cannot replace proper handwashing with soap and water.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose

The second precaution you can take against infections is covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Germs are often spread through droplets in the air from our mouths, noses, or skin. If someone nearby has a compromised immune system, they could get very sick if these germs enter their system.

This is why coughs and sneezes should always be covered with a tissue or handkerchief when around others. If you don't have anything to use as protection, at least make sure to turn away from others so droplets can't go in someone else's direction.

Clean and Disinfect

The third precaution you can take against infections is by cleaning and disinfecting. This includes surfaces - such as countertops, doorknobs, sinks - or objects that contact your hands a lot - like cell phones.

To clean an object, wipe it down using soap and water. For more difficult-to-reach areas, use a household cleaner like bleach. To disinfect an object, you can spray it down with diluted hydrogen peroxide or alcohol wipes and let them air dry for at least 10 minutes to kill any germs on the surface.

Use of Antibiotics

The fourth precaution you can take against infections is by using antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria in the body, which helps to prevent infection from spreading. They come in many forms, including pills, liquids, and creams.

In addition, antibiotics can also be applied as eye drops and ear drops. Antibiotics are most effective when prescribed by a doctor, so please contact your physician immediately for more information if you believe that you may have an infection.

As you can see, it's very important to take precautions against infections to reduce your risk.

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Written By:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com. 

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash