What’s the best way to prevent infection?
There’s no one way to prevent infection. There are a lot of infections out there. They all spread differently and require different prevention strategies.
When it comes to prevention, it’s best to practice everyday strategies that protect you against most germs. Then, when there is a specific illness causing concerns, expand the list as needed.
Right now, keeping your distance from others and wearing a mask are important precautions to add to the list in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Remember: germs need you in order to multiply and spread. Using general prevention strategies every day helps protect you and keeps germs from spreading to others in your family and community.
Here are a few healthy habits that will help you fight the majority of infections:
- Wash your hands correctly and frequently.
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Avoid sick individuals and stay home when you are sick.
- Follow food safety guidelines to keep harmful bacteria from growing in your food.
- Avoid contaminated water.
- Clean commonly touched surfaces (like doorknobs or cell phones) with cleaners that kill viruses and bacteria (and are safe for that surface).
- Clean and cover any scrapes or open wounds on your skin.
- Keep your immune system healthy and charged.
- Get enough sleep.
- Drink less alcohol.
- Choose foods that strengthen your immune system.
- Get plenty of exercise.
- Manage your stress response.
Boosting Immunity
Covid-19 has brought on so many unknowns, and now with the flu season upon us, it’s time to take care of ourselves to help boost our immunity. Daily self-care, such as managing stress, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and good nutrition are all important pieces to staying healthy. Please download and share the following educational handouts from our Rock the Walk Challenge on ways to boost your immune system. You may also enjoy our Blog Series on Boosting Your Immunity.
Boosting Immunity Through Nutrition
Boosting Immunity Through Exercise
If you do become sick, make sure you are prepared.
It’s important to practice prevention to help avoid becoming ill, but we or someone in our household may still become sick. Getting your household ready by planning and making decisions now will help protect you and your family. The CDC is an excellent resource for guidance on flu prevention, how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, and includes a Household Checklist to help you prepare. You may also like Fort HealthCare’s Flu Season Prep Checklist (click here to download).
