How to Prevent Infection

It seems we're hearing more often about dangerous illnesses affecting patients in health care settings and even students in our public schools. So what can we do to prevent infection with colds, flu or other diseases? While everyone gets sick some time or another, using simple hygiene tips can help you to prevent many infections.

Instructions

Wash Hands the Right Way

• 1

  Wet hands with warm, running water. A quick rinse under the faucet won't do.

• 2

  Pump a generous amount of liquid soap into your hands, or lather up with a clean bar of soap.

• 3

  Scrub your hands thoroughly, including the palms as well as the backs of your hands. Clean under your fingernails, and don't forget to wash your wrists and in between your fingers.

• 4

  Wash for at least 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly.

• 5

  Dry your hands with a clean towel or disposable towel. Use the towel to turn off the faucet.

Avoid Infection by Knowing When to Wash Your Hands

• 6

  Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

• 7

  Clean your hands before and after changing a baby's diaper or helping a toddler use the toilet.

• 8

  Wash up before and after cooking. Make sure you clean your hands before and after handling raw meat.

• 9

  Make sure to clean your hands before and after touching a person who is ill.

• 10

  Run back into the house and wash your hands after taking out the trash or cleaning up pet waste. It's a good idea to wash your hands to avoid infection after working in the garden.

Follow More Easy Tips for Preventing Infection

• 11

  Make sure others practice good hygiene as well. Doctors and nurses should wash their hands and wear clean protective gloves when seeing each new patient. If you don't see them wash, gently remind them.

• 12

  Avoid contact with sick people, and stay home from work or school when you have a fever.

• 13

  Check to make sure day care providers promote good hygiene by requiring the children to wash hands frequently.

• 14

  Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and remember to wash your hands.

• 15

  Get your teeth cleaned regularly. Proper mouth hygiene may help prevent endocarditis, an infection of the heart.