How to protect yourself from infectious diseases? (Infectious Diseases)

There are diseases that spread very quickly among us, right? Think about how quickly things like vomiting and diarrhea (stomach upset), chickenpox, eye infections, and throat infections can spread from one person to another. Some diseases, for example, a fever like influenza, can be transmitted to us even from someone who does not show any outward symptoms. This is the most dangerous thing about these infectious diseases.

These germs are spread in different ways. You can get sick by breathing in germs that are released into the air when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can get sick by touching someone who has a disease like chickenpox or conjunctivitis. Also, diseases like Hepatitis B can be spread by having sex with an infected person or by coming into contact with their blood.

Germs are everywhere. But don't be afraid. Today I'm going to teach you about 5 very simple, easy steps that will help protect you and your family from these easily transmitted diseases.

1. Get the necessary vaccinations on time

We don't have to get every disease. There are vaccines for many of the most common infectious diseases. These provide great protection.

Therefore, check your and everyone in your family's vaccination cards and make sure that you have received all the required vaccinations on time. This applies not only to young children, but also to adults.

• For adults: If you haven't gotten the Tdap booster vaccine for diphtheria/pertussis, get it. After that, you should get the Td booster vaccine for diphtheria/pertussis every 10 years.
• People over 50: It's important to get vaccinated against a condition called shingles. This is a painful, blistering disease caused by the chickenpox virus.
• People over 65 years of age: It is essential to get both vaccines for pneumonia.
• For everyone: It is a good idea for everyone over 6 months of age to get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine .

Remember, the more we get vaccinated, the less risk there is of disease spreading in our community. Ask your family doctor for more information about this.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly often.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that handwashing is a “self-inflicted vaccine.” That’s true. It’s the easiest and most effective thing we can do to stop the spread of germs. But it has to be done right.

Here's how to do it:

1. Wet your hands thoroughly with clean, running water (warm or cool water).

2. Apply soap and rub your hands together thoroughly. Do this for at least 20 seconds . It's about the same as singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Rub the soap between your fingers, under your nails, and on the back of your hands.

3. Then wash it well with running water to remove the soap.

4. Wipe with a clean towel, or let it air dry.

When should we definitely wash our hands? Be aware of this.

3. Keep frequently touched areas clean.

Germs can live on hard surfaces like doorknobs and table tops for hours, even days. That's why it's so important to keep the places we touch the most clean.

Think specifically about places like these:

• The kitchen counter and sink
• Water tap
• Door locks and handles
• Light switch
• Phone and TV remote

If these areas are regularly wiped down with disinfectant, the spread of germs can be largely controlled.

4. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

This is a very simple, yet often overlooked, habit. It's the best way to stop spreading your germs to others.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the used tissue in the trash immediately and wash your hands thoroughly.

If you don't have a handkerchief, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow . Never use your handkerchief. This will spread germs to everything you touch.

5. Avoid sharing personal things

This is also very important. Even with family members, do not share food or drink with others. That is, avoid eating from the same cup, eating from the same plate, or using the same spoon.

Also, never share personal items like lip balm and toothbrushes with others. The mouth is the fastest way for germs to spread from one person to another, so it's important to take care of this.

We can't promise that you'll never get sick. But, if you follow these simple basic tips, you can definitely greatly reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading the disease to someone else.