Everyone understands that exercise, sleep, and a proper diet are essential for good health. These habits help strengthen your immune system. However, sometimes threats to your immune system are not visible to the naked eye.
Often, it’s the hidden germs and viruses that pose a risk for infectious diseases. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain healthy habits and also follow proper hygiene practices to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens that can cause serious illnesses.
Here are six tips to help reduce your exposure to infectious diseases:
1. Germs and bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through food, not just through air or water. To prevent contaminating your meals with bacteria and viruses, practice safe food handling. This is important not only at home but also when you’re at work or out. Being informed about bloodborne pathogens will help you handle food safely and minimize your risk of exposure to germs.
2. Your hands are especially prone to picking up germs and viruses because they come into contact with many surfaces throughout the day. You use your hands for eating, grabbing things, opening doors, and handling money. Therefore, it’s important to wash your hands regularly to stop germs and bacteria from spreading. You should wash your hands:
– Before and after eating
– After using the bathroom
– After touching public surfaces
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands immediately, use hand sanitizer and wash them thoroughly when you get home.
3. While sharing can be good, it doesn’t apply to everything. Sharing personal items with others can increase the risk of transmitting germs and bloodborne infections. Avoid sharing items like razors, combs, towels, toothbrushes, face masks, underwear, and makeup brushes.
4. Regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces around your home. This includes kitchen countertops, bathrooms, doorknobs, and light switches. You can clean these surfaces using a mixture of soap, water, and vinegar. Use rubbing alcohol to disinfect items like remote controls and light switches. Additionally, disinfect a room thoroughly if someone in the house is sick.
5. Coughing and sneezing are common ways to spread germs to others. When you cough or sneeze, tiny droplets filled with germs are released into the air, potentially infecting people nearby who inhale them. Practice good hygiene by covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue. If you don’t have one, use your sleeve, not your hands, to cover up. If you’re feeling unwell, consider wearing a face mask or staying home to avoid spreading illness.
6. Vaccines are designed to boost your immune system and protect you from infectious diseases. That’s why it’s important for children to get vaccinated early, as their immune systems are still developing. Keep your vaccinations up-to-date to stay protected from harmful germs.
These tips can help keep you and your family safe from hidden infectious diseases in your environment. Along with these tips, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and live a healthy lifestyle.
