How to Prevent Infectious Diseases?

As winter approaches, the risk of infectious diseases and their potential complications increases. This article highlights ways to prevent infectious diseases and offers tips to strengthen immunity.

How Can Infectious Diseases Be Prevented?

If you want to protect yourself from infectious diseases, here are the most important tips:

• Receiving Vaccines

One of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases is through vaccination. Children should receive all recommended vaccines during childhood, and adults should ensure their vaccines are updated and take the necessary ones, especially when travelling. 

• Maintaining good hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is the first line of defence against infectious diseases and germs. Here are some essential practices:

1. Handwashing: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before preparing and eating food, after gardening, feeding pets, coughing, visiting sick individuals, or touching door handles.
2. Using Hand Sanitizers: Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable, as they effectively kill infectious microorganisms.
3. Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, then dispose of it immediately.
4. Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces: Regularly disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces, as they are prone to bacteria and viruses. 

• Avoiding Sharing Personal Items

Do not share dishes, eating utensils, drinking cups, or personal care items such as toothbrushes, razors, combs, and nail clippers. Sharing these items can spread germs. 

• Using Antibiotics Only When Necessary

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and are only useful for bacterial infections. Use antibiotics only when necessary and follow your doctor’s prescription regarding dosage. Complete the prescribed course even if you feel better to prevent antibiotic resistance. Notify your doctor if an infection worsens or does not improve after taking antibiotics. 

• Wearing Face Masks

Face masks can help prevent respiratory infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold by blocking particles expelled during sneezing, coughing, or laughing. It is recommended to wear masks in hospitals, healthcare centers, crowded places, and poorly ventilated areas. 

• Using Condoms During Intimacy

Use condoms during sexual activity, especially if one partner has blisters or other symptoms in the genital area. This precaution is essential until tests confirm the absence of sexually transmitted infections. 

• Practicing Physical Distancing

Maintain physical distancing when interacting with strangers, particularly during flu season and outbreaks of respiratory illnesses. This helps protect against droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes. 

• Staying Home When Sick

Stay home if you are ill, have a fever, or experience diarrhea or vomiting to prevent spreading the infection to others. 

• Eliminating Pests and Rodents

Rodents and insects can carry disease-causing germs. Prevent infestations by:

1. Covering garbage and food containers.
2. Sealing cracks and holes in walls.
3. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your home. 

• Regular Health Checkups

Regular medical checkups help monitor levels of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, zinc, and iron, which are crucial for a robust immune system. 

Blazma offers all these tests, including Vitamin D tests, Vitamins and Minerals Package, Zinc Test, and Iron Test.

Tips to Strengthen Immunity and Prevent Diseases

In addition to the above recommendations, follow these tips to strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of illnesses:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients while avoiding processed, fatty, sugary foods and fast food.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Sufficient sleep enables your body to produce cytokines, proteins that help combat infections and diseases.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink eight glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated and prevent dehydration.