Community acquired infections
- How to prevent?
Infections develop when microbes are transferred from other persons / environment to you. They enter through our body surfaces (e.g. skin or mucosal surfaces) or they can be inhaled or ingested. We can catch infections through the activities we take part in and also acquire them when we travel. The best ways to prevent infections is to block them from entering the body and to strengthen our immunity.
Good hygiene prevents infection
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before preparing and eating your food, after gardening or other tasks which could contaminate your hands (e.g. changing the diapers of toddlers, coughing, sneezing, caring for the sick).
- Cover a cough. Cover your mouth / nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash and bandage your cuts
Practice safe food handling techniques.
- Infections can spread through the food we consume.
- Rinse your raw food under clean running water before cooking or serving them
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw food.
- Separate raw and cooked food.
- Cook your food thoroughly.
Travel precautions
- Consume clean food and water.
- Obtain necessary travel vaccinations prior to travel.
- When travelling through regions where insect-borne disease are prevalent, use DEET-containing insect repellent and wear appropriate attire (long-sleaved, light coloured clothing).
Vaccinate
Many serious infections can be prevented with immunization. Contact your health care provider regarding your immunization status, and the routine / travel-related vaccinations which you may require.
