How to Prevent Bacterial Diseases

Bacterial diseases are infections that occur when a person is exposed to certain strains of harmful bacteria. Examples of bacterial diseases include bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, strep throat, scarlet fever and urinary tract infections. Bacterial diseases need to be treated with anti-bacterial drugs in order to get rid of the infection. If you are worried about your exposure to bacterial diseases, you can perform some steps in order to reduce your risk of exposure.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep up to date with your vaccinations. There are vaccines available for several bacterial diseases, some of which you may not have received as a child or since childhood, such as bacterial meningitis and Hib influenza.

• 2

  Steer clear of raw or undercooked food products, especially poultry and eggs. Also, wash your hands with antibacterial soap after handling these food items. This can prevent transmission of the bacteria that causes salmonella.

• 3

  Wash your hands often. Especially after you use the bathroom, change a soiled diaper or prepare any kind of food. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least thirty seconds with warm water and antibacterial soap.

• 4

  Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes. If you happen to come into contact with a type of harmful bacteria, you will transmit the disease by touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

• 5

  Use gloves and other protective clothing items if you work in a hospital or clinic setting. Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff members are required to wear gloves, masks and other pieces of protective clothing in order to prevent bacterial diseases from spreading.

• 6

  Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing if you are ill to prevent spreading bacteria to others. If you use tissues to blow your nose, dispose of them immediately.