How to Prevent Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas is a bacteria that can cause skin infections, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitidis, otitis media and bacteremia. Pseudomonas can typically be found in moist environments, soil and on the surfaces of plants and animals. Sources of standing water like pools and the water in flower vases, especially in hospitals, can contain Pseudomonas bacteria.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Alcohol-based sanitizers

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands regularly including before and after preparing food, treating wounds, using the toilet, coughing or sneezing into your hands and touching an animal. Good hand washing hygiene is important in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses. Scrub soap to your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing with warm water.

• 2

  Use an alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands when you visit places that are more prone to carry Pseudomonas bacteria. These include hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing facilities and when you are in contact with people infected with Pseudomonas.

• 3

  Keep your counter tops and other surfaces clean and change standing water every few days, to prevent colonization of Pseudomonas bacteria. In addition, change your hand towels often or use paper towels for drying hands. Dirty hand towels can spread Pseudomonas and other bacteria, especially if someone in your household is sick.

• 4

  Avoid touching your face. You can easily transfer Pseudomonas bacteria from a contaminated surface to your body with your hands.

• 5

  Avoid spas and pools that do not check their water disinfectant and pH levels, at least twice a day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hot tubs and pools that have good disinfectant practices and pH control are less likely to spread Pseudomonas bacteria. Rinse yourself and your swimsuit well after swimming or spending time in the hot tub.

• 6

  Call your doctor if you expect a Pseudomonas infection. Infections caused by Pseudomonas bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. Avoid coughing toward others and use alcohol-based sanitizers to prevent spreading of the bacteria.