10 Things to Prevent Infectious Disease

1. Keep immunizations up to date. Follow recommended immunizations for children and adults. And don't forget your pets.
2. Wash your hands often, especially during cold and flu season. Be sure to wash hands.

• After using the bathroom.
• Before preparing or eating food.
• After changing a diaper.
• After blowing your nose or sneezing or coughing.
• After caring for a sick person.
• After playing with pets.

     3.  Be aware of what you eat, and be careful how you prepare it.

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold until eaten or cooked.
• Be sure that temperature controls in refrigerators and freezers are working properly.
• Wash counters and cutting boards and utensils frequently with soap and hot water, especially after preparing poultry or other meats, or any infection  
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Cook ground beef until you can no longer see any pink.

     4.  Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed, take them for the full course prescribed by your doctor, but not         for colds or non bacterial illnesses. Never self medicate with antibiotics or share them with family or friends.

     5.  Report to your doctor any quickly worsening infection that does not get better after you take a prescribed antibiotic.

     6.  Be cautious around all wild animals and domestic animal that are not familiar to you after any animals bite, clean the skin with soap and water and seek medical care immediately.

     7.  Avoid areas of insect infestation, use insect repellents on skin and clothing when in areas where ticks or mosquitoes are common.

     8.  Avoid unsafe unprotected sex and injecting drug use.

     9.  Stay alert to disease threats when you travel or visit undeveloped areas. Get all recommended immunizations, and use protective medications for travel, especially in areas with malaria. Don't drink untreated water  while hiking or camping. If you become ill when you return home, tell your doctor where you've been.

    10. When sick, allow yourself time to heal and recover. Be courteous others: wash your hands frequently, and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.