PREVENTION OF COMMON ILLNESSES

 Do’s and don’ts for avoiding infections

Follow these tips to help lower your risk of infections: 

• Do practice good hygiene 

Wash your hands before handling food, after using the bathroom and after handling pets. Wash your hands often when you have a cold.

• Don’t share eating or drinking utensils

That’s a good way to spread infections.

• Do cook certain foods thoroughly — especially hamburger — to kill bacteria

Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat or poultry, raw seafood or raw eggs. Don’t drink or cook with unpasteurized milk. 

• Don’t drink water that’s likely contaminated

That includes, for example, water from streams or lakes near campsites or hiking trails.

• Don’t put your fingers in your mouth or eyes 

Doing so transmits germs.

• Do avoid contact with ticks and rodents

Stay away from these and other disease carriers.

• Do keep up to date with vaccinations  

They can protect you from life-threatening infectious diseases.

• Do recognize signs of generalized infections

Signs and symptoms include, for example, fever, sweats and chills. For skin infections, look for redness and warmth.

• Don’t delay contacting your doctor if you’re sick

Many serious infections are treatable in the early stages.

• Don’t expect an antibiotic each time you’re sick

Antibiotics don’t help with some common infections, and overuse encourages the growth of drug-resistant microorganisms.  

Fending off the flu

To help prevent any illness, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and wash your hands often. A flu (influenza) shot is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the risk of flu, but especially for the high-risk groups below.

• Who needs a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu shots for the groups below.

 1. People at high risk of complications from the flu, including:

   • Children age 6 months until their 5th birthday 

   • Children 5 years of age or older and adults with a chronic condition (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) 

   • Pregnant women • Adults age 50 and older 

   • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

 2. People who live with or care for those at high risk of complications from the flu, including: 

   • Caregivers and household contacts of anyone at high risk 

   • Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children under 6 months old (these children are too young to get the flu shot) 

   • Health care workers

• Who should avoid flu shots?

Flu shots are safe for almost everyone. However, if you’ve had a serious reaction to a dose of flu vaccine, or are allergic to eggs, or have history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, ask your doctor for advice.

• What’s the best time for a flu shot? 

Flu shots need updating every year because the virus strains change frequently. It’s best to get your flu shot in October or November for protection in the peak of the flu season (December through March).

• What are the side effects? 

Some people may have a minor reaction, such as soreness at the injection site, mild muscle aches or a slight fever for a couple of days afterward.