10 Ways to Prevent Bacterial infections
- Get vaccinated: There are vaccines available for many bacterial diseases, such as tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, and pneumonia. Vaccines work by exposing your body to a weakened or inactive form of the bacteria, which helps your body develop immunity to the disease.
- Wash your hands often: This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after being around someone who is sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze: This will help prevent the spread of germs through respiratory droplets. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, and then throw the tissue away in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth: These are entry points for bacteria into your body. If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, wash your hands immediately.
- Keep your cuts and wounds clean and covered: This will help prevent bacteria from entering the wound. Wash the wound with soap and water, and then apply a bandage.
- Cook food thoroughly: Bacteria can be killed by cooking food to the proper temperature. Be sure to cook poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, beef to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and pork to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Refrigerate or freeze food promptly: Bacteria can grow quickly in food that is not kept cold. Refrigerate or freeze food within two hours of cooking or purchasing.
- Drink plenty of fluids: This will help to flush bacteria out of your body.
- Get enough sleep: When you're well-rested, your body is better able to fight off infection.
- Manage stress: Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
By following these tips, you can help prevent bacterial infections and stay healthy.
Here are some additional tips that may help prevent bacterial infections:
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Take probiotics, which are live bacteria that can help to improve your gut health and boost your immune system.