Infective diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) and can be transmitted through air, exposure, food, water or animals. With the acceleration of the globalization process and the emergence of new infectious diseases, the prevention of infection by individuals is particularly important. This paper will provide a systematic presentation of individual methods of preventing infection from everyday life, personal hygiene, vaccination, food safety, etc.
I. Maintenance of good personal hygiene
Good personal hygiene is the basis for preventing infection. The following are key measures:
1. Hand-washing
Handwashing with soap and mobile water, especially before meals, after urination, after exposure to public goods or after coughing and sneezing.
If there are no conditions for hand washing, free hand disinfectant with alcohol may be used.
The hand wash should last for at least 20 seconds to ensure clean hands, backs, stitches and nails.
2. Proper wearing of masks
During the flu season or during the epidemic, the wearing of masks can effectively prevent the spread of foam.
Use a one-time medical mask or N95 mask and ensure full nose and nose coverage when wearing it.
The use of masks should be properly addressed and the use of one-time masks should be avoided.
3. Attention to respiratory hygiene
If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and nose with a paper towel or elbow to avoid the spread of foam.
Used paper towels should be immediately discarded and hands washed in time.
4. Keep skin clean
Regular bathing and skin cleaning, especially in high-temperature and humid environments, to prevent bacterial and fungi infections.
When skin is broken, the wound should be cleaned and treated with disinfectant in time to prevent infection.
Strengthening environmental health management
Sanitation is closely linked to individual health, and a clean living environment can effectively reduce the transmission of pathogens.
1. Maintenance of indoor ventilation
A regular daily window ventilation and air flow, especially in winter or air-conditioning rooms.
In periods of high influenza or other infectious disease, long periods of closed space are avoided.
2. Regular cleaning and disinfection
Regular cleaning and disinfection of HF-exposed items (e.g. doorknob, mobile phone, keyboard, etc.).
Use chlorine-containing disinfectants or alcohol to wipe surfaces to ensure the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms.
3. Prevention of vector organisms
Clean up the water and prevent mosquitoes from growing.
Properly store food to avoid attracting vector organisms such as rats and cockroaches.
Food and water safety
Diet and drinking water are important routes for the transmission of pathogens, and attention to food and water safety can effectively prevent intestinal infections.
1. Choice of safe food
Purchase of fresh, hygienic food to avoid eating out-of-date or spoiled food.
It treats food separately and prevents cross-contamination.
To avoid eating raw or uncooked meat, seafood and eggs.
2. Proper processing and storage of food
Food should be fully cooked, especially meat and water products.
The remaining food should be refrigerated and fully heated before consumption.
Food in refrigerators should be sorted and stored to avoid being mixed. 3. Drinking safe water
Drink from treated tap water or bottled water to avoid drinking from raw water.
Water sources can be treated by cooking or using water purification equipment in cases of uncertainty about water security.
Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases. Vaccination can increase the body ‘ s immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
1. Regular vaccinations
Children should be vaccinated under the national immunization plan, such as hepatitis B, BCG, measles, etc.
Adults should be vaccinated against influenza, pneumonia, hepatitis B, etc., as required.
2. Focus on new vaccines
In the case of new infectious diseases (e.g., the new corona virus), timely vaccinations should be provided.
Before travelling abroad, the necessary vaccines, such as yellow fever vaccine, cholera vaccine, etc., are administered according to the prevalence of the disease at the destination.
3. Strengthening the protection of vulnerable populations
Older persons, pregnant women and chronically ill persons are at high risk of infection and priority should be given to vaccinations.
V. A healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyles can increase immunity and thus reduce the risk of infection.
1. A balanced diet
Adequate proteins, vitamins and minerals are guaranteed and the body immune function is enhanced.
Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit and reduce the intake of high fat and sugar-rich foods.
2. Regularity
Adequate sleep is guaranteed, with a maximum of 7-8 hours per night.
Avoid staying up late, keep the biological clocks regular.
Rational motion
Medium-intensity campaigns of at least 150 minutes per week, such as runaways, swimming, yoga, etc.
Sport promotes blood circulation and increases the activity of the immune system.
4. Prohibition of smoking and alcohol
Smoking and overdrinking weaken the immune system and should be avoided as much as possible.
If there is a habit of smoking, it should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Avoiding high-risk behaviour. Certain behaviours may increase the risk of infection and should be avoided or protected to the extent possible.
Avoiding exposure to sources of infection
During the epidemic, access to densely populated sites is minimized.
Avoid close contact with the infected person and if necessary wear masks and gloves.
2. Travel hygiene
When travelling abroad, they learn about the prevalence of diseases at their destination and take the necessary precautions.
Avoid local untreated water and food, and prevent diarrhea among travellers.
3. Safe sex
In order to avoid unsafe sex, the use of condoms can effectively prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexual health checks are conducted regularly to detect and treat infections in a timely manner.
Health awareness
Increased awareness of personal health is key to preventing infection. The following recommendations are made:
1. Learning about health
(c) Understanding the transmission of common infectious diseases and preventive measures.
(c) Pay attention to health information issued by authorities and avoid rumours.
2. Periodic medical examinations
Health checks are carried out regularly to detect potential infection risks in a timely manner.
In the case of chronic patients, the situation should be monitored on a regular basis to prevent complications.
3. Timely access to health care
In the case of infections such as fever, cough and diarrhoea, timely medical attention should be provided to avoid delays in treatment.
Use of antibacterial drugs in accordance with medical orders to avoid the abuse of antibiotics.
Concluding remarks
The prevention of infectious diseases requires a wide range of approaches, including personal hygiene, environmental management, food safety, vaccination and healthy lifestyles. Science-based preventive measures can effectively reduce the risk of infection and protect the health of oneself and others. In daily life, each person should promote health awareness, actively engage in the prevention of infection and work together to build a healthy and safe living environment.
