We all know that exercise, proper sleep, and a good diet are essential for staying healthy. These habits help boost your immune system. But sometimes, the real threats to your immune system are invisible.
Most of the time, it’s the hidden germs and viruses that can lead to infectious diseases. So, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s also crucial to practice good hygiene to protect yourself from bloodborne germs that can cause serious health issues.
Here are six tips to help you reduce your risk of exposure to these infectious diseases:
Germs and bloodborne pathogens aren’t just transmitted through air or water; they can also come from the food we eat. To avoid contaminating your meals with bacteria and viruses, you need to handle food safely. Here are some tips for proper food handling at home and work:
Your hands are the most vulnerable to germs and viruses since they’re constantly touching various surfaces. You use your hands to eat, grab things, open doors, and handle money. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Some situations where you need to wash your hands include:
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds with soap and water. If you can’t access water immediately, use hand sanitizer and wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you get home.
While sharing can be caring, it’s not wise to share personal items with others, especially family members. Avoid sharing products like razors, combs, towels, toothbrushes, old face masks, underwear, and makeup kits to prevent the spread of germs and bloodborne infections.
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly used surfaces in your home, such as kitchen countertops, bathrooms, doorknobs, and light switches, is crucial. You can use a mixture of soap, water, and vinegar or rubbing alcohol for disinfecting surfaces like remote controls and light switches. Additionally, if someone in the house is sick, it’s a good idea to disinfect the entire room.
Coughing and sneezing are common ways to spread infectious germs and viruses. Each time you cough or sneeze, droplets filled with germs are released into the air, which can be inhaled by others and cause infections.
It’s important to practice proper hygiene when you cough or sneeze. Use a handkerchief or tissue to cover your nose or mouth. If you don’t have one, use your sleeve instead of your hands to cover up, as this prevents germs from spreading to others.
If you have a cough or cold, take the initiative to wear a face mask or, better yet, stay home to prevent spreading the illness.
Vaccines play a key role in strengthening your immune system and protecting your body from infectious diseases. It’s crucial to keep up-to-date with your vaccinations to protect yourself from harmful germs.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep yourself and your family safe from hidden infectious illnesses in your environment. Remember to combine these hygiene practices with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle for optimal health.