Infection Prevention: Tips to Stay Healthy
Infections are something that we’ve all faced at one point or another. Yet in many of those situations they could have been avoided. If you’re like me and hate even the thought of having a typical cold that knocks you off of your feet, knowing how to prevent them may be something that you find extremely useful. Check this out, infection prevention: tips to stay healthy.
Please remember I am not a doctor, nurse, or anyone in the medical field. My philosophy is when in doubt, call your doctor about any health issues. If you have questions and need answers about what’s going on in the world, refer to CDC.GOV
In case you missed this post: Why You Should Wash Your Hands Often
Infection Prevention: Tips to Stay Healthy
There’s no guarantee that keeping healthy will ensure that you never get an infection, but it will certainly reduce the chances of catching one.
I’m here to share with you some of the good practices, along with things that you could be adding to your diet to help prevent infection. Here’s more on infection prevention and tips on how to stay healthy.
So What Exactly is an Infection?
To have a stronger grasp on how to prevent infection, you need to have a better understanding of what one is and how they come about. An infection happens when another organism finds its way inside your body and causes the disease to set in while wreaking havoc to your body’s surrounding cells.
Infections can be caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi, and several different types of viruses.
Good Hand Hygiene
In the Covid-19 era that we currently find ourselves, we’ve been told that having good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to stop the spread of the virus. The same holds true when preventing infections as well.
Hands need to be washed with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to ensure that they are no longer contaminated. If you’re in a place where you are unable to wash your hands, the very least that you could do is use hand sanitizer to try to keep them clean.
You should always wash your hands immediately after you sneeze, cough, greet someone, if you come into contact with blood or urine, or touch another new object or surface, and every time you use the restroom. It’s also important for you to be aware of any scrapes, cuts, or other hand injuries that may create an opening for infections to get inside.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects regularly that are touched often is another great way to prevent infections. Although you can’t see it, those surfaces may be contaminated with bacteria, germs, and viruses that are waiting for their opportunity.
Some disinfectants won’t be effective if soil or dirt is still present, so it’s important to clean those surfaces thoroughly first. Then apply the disinfectant and allow it to air dry according to the amount of time suggested in the manufacturer’s instructions.
You also need to know that there are certain pathogens out there that won’t be made inactive by commercial disinfectant products. In those situations, it’s best for you to use a bleach solution to decontaminate surfaces in your home.
Vaccinating
In recent years vaccinating has become much more controversial, whether it’s due to people’s religious, ethical, or personal beliefs against the practice. That’s because vaccinations have been argued time and time again to cause a host of other major health problems, especially among smaller children.
I’m not here to tell you whether it’s a right or wrong decision for you to vaccinate, but simply to inform you.
Vaccinations have proven to provide a boost to your immune system, while helping prevent certain types of infections. Diseases that once claimed the lives of countless younger people can now be preventable when choosing to get a vaccine.
They can also provide you with extra protection from other major health problems. On the other side of the spectrum, they may cause diseases, but this likelihood is rather small.
Please note, I am not advocating for or against vaccinations, I want that to be clear.
Superfoods that Fight Infections
Antibiotics are one way of dealing with infections, but they’re also known to kill off healthy bacteria, and later on those infections may evolve in such a way that they are able to resist the medication. Why not try something that’s natural and doesn’t cause any harm to your body?
There’s a number of superfoods that work as natural antibiotics that you should consider adding to your diet, if you haven’t already. They’ll work great in not only fighting off infections, but also preventing them.
Eucalyptus
Adding eucalyptus to your tea can help with a cough, and when placed on the skin, can provide you with antiseptic properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has become increasingly popular over the last several years because of its many health benefits. It’s known to kill germs and relieve a sore throat.
Garlic
Garlic has been known to relieve the effects of a cold, flu, and toothaches, but you will no longer have all the antibiotic properties if you decide to cook them. It’s best to slice them up and eat them raw over a salad or added to the soup.
Onions
Onions are capable of reducing pain and inflammation while fighting off cold and flu-like symptoms. Just like with garlic, onions should be enjoyed raw to receive all the nutrients and health benefits.
Horseradish
Horseradish has been used in the past to treat urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and even kidney stones. It gives the body energy while strengthening the body’s defenses against infectious illnesses.
Ginger
It’s no secret that ginger has been used in the past to treat colds and flu. Ginger also helps with nausea and an upset stomach. Just be cautious with this one if you may be pregnant.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antibiotic properties that can be used to treat infections, including yeast infections.
Vitamin C
Eating foods that contain higher amounts of vitamin C is a great way to stay healthy while supporting your immune system. Oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and leafy greens are among the best. Adding the mineral supplement vitamin C to your diet daily is something else that you should consider.
Other Posts to Check Out
Here are some other posts related to health and wellness to check out:
- Dealing with Parasites How to Heal Yourself
- Food Poisoning What You Should Know
- Bacteria: Everything You Need to Know
Final Word
Staying healthy has certainly taken on a whole new meaning in the year 2020. Especially the reminder to wash your hands. By using these preventative methods you’ll greatly reduce the chances of catching an infection.
What are some other methods you’ve learned over the years about preventing infections? What are some infection prevention: tips to stay healthy that you’d add to this list? May God Bless this world, Linda.
Copyright Images: Businesswoman Analyzing Bacteria Deposit photos_217028818_s-2019, Washing Hands Under Water Deposit photos_2634772_s-2019
Great post today, Linda! I read that if you sing the Happy Birthday song twice, it takes about 20 seconds. That’s what I heard that they’re teaching children to do. (You do t have to sing out loud.) I also use a nail brush when I wash mine. I read that you should do that as well.
Hi Deborah, I was thinking about that song when I typed that sentence!!!! I love it! Linda
I love this! I feel as though it’s a full time job to keep my kids from being infected lol
Hi Jess, I remember those days. It’s so hard to keep those cute little hands clean!!! Stay well!!! Linda
Great post, Linda.
As Jess said, “I feel as though it’s a full time job to keep my kids from being infected lol” – it IS a full time job not just for adults to keep kids from being infected but for all of us!
One of the things that is at the back of my mind is that COVID-19 has caused a resurgence of hygiene. I mean, who doesn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom? It has also increased our desire for knowledge in the world of viruses and other health issues. I certainly don’t want COVID-19 but I also don’t want my immune system to get run down to the point of getting anything else and then having my system vulnerable to catching COVID-19!
So, what all of this means to me is that I need to monitor MY health and get myself to a place where my immune system is in good shape. I think that even though many people think COVID-19 is a hoax, it has made me aware of the issues when out shopping. I will very likely be wearing a mask for years to come – just to hopefully lessen the chance of getting ANY airborne illness (cold, flu, etc.) AND using hand sanitizer – to hopefully lessen the chance of getting germs/bacterial infections from things I touch.
Call me paranoid but…
Hi Leanne, you are not paranoid. Or if you are, so am I!!! LOL! I just ordered 12 bottles of Purell hand sanitizer off of Amazon. I have some hand sanitizer but it’s not Purell. I picture wearing a mask for many years to come as well. Mark and I make an Emergen C drink every day. We have to keep our immune system healthy for sure. I don’t want COVID, either. Stay well, Linda
My daughter is concerned that too much sanitizer can weaken our immune systems. Thoughts?
Hi Chris, I remember hearing that as well. I think we have to look at the big picture. If we can get children and adults for that matter to wash their hands safely with soap and water we probably wouldn’t have ever come up with hand sanitizer. I worry more about bacteria and viruses than I do hand sanitizer. I did read there has been some poor quality hand sanitizer that was being produced after the COVID shortages started. Now, I see Purell back in stock. You have to go with your gut. Do what is right for you. Linda
There has been a huge amount of hand sanitizer recalls – mostly made in Mexico. I see tons and tons of hand sanitizer all over the place-brands I’ve never heard from! I don’t care where it’s made, if it’s not a brand I know and trust, I won’t buy it. However, that being said, I have alot of ingredients and I can make my own; it’s just not as thick as store-bought. So everyone should be super aware of the brand they’re buying. The Recall List is easily found on the internet.
Hi Robbie, I agree with you about the recalls. I finally found some Purell and ordered it. I can make my own but it’s cheaper at the store. Linda
Hello Linda,
I have seen some people (ladies) use the bathroom in a store, not wash their hands, (YUCK) flip their hair and walk out the bathroom. They have signs posted in the bathroom about hand washing. I carry my wipes, clean the seat before and after I use the bathroom. I wash mine and still use sanitizer. I am diabetic and on occasion have had to go. These are grown adult women. I have spoken up and let them know just how unsanitary that was, a couple of them came back and washed their hands. The others didn’t and then go and touch merchandise in the store. I know they were taught better, my mother would have bopped me if I did something like that. You keep telling them about being safe and healthy. Excellent article.
Hi Mildred, your comment that your mom would have bopped you, your mom, and my mom could have best friends!! LOL! I have seen women use the bathroom and not wash their hands, I just shake my head. It’s disgusting. Then we wonder why people get sick, duh! Wash your hands, people. You and I were raised differently. When I’m cooking I probably go overboard washing my hands, but that’s how I was raised. We always had to wash our hands before we sat down to eat. When we have church functions with meals, I always bring some hand sanitizer. Hardly anyone uses it. Now, they may because since COVID we see it everywhere. Thanks again for your kind words! Stay healthy and safe. Linda
Mildred, don’t forget to use paper towels to open the bathroom doors after washing your hands! Kohl’s is great about keeping a wastebasket next to the door. If nothing is available, I use my shirt! I sanitize everything in sight when coming into stores, especially the carts. I’ve noticed stores have stopped doing that, except places like Costco. Walmart, who was so over-the-top in the beginning, doesn’t even supplies out anymore so you can do it yourself! Yuck! I have a couple of set places I go to otherwise, I just stay home.
Target has dryers, no paper towels, I carry my own wipes and sanitizer, most stores are not suppling cart wipes or they are in short supply. I wipe the cart handle off before I move the cart, sometimes I wear gloves but sometimes they are more of a nuisance than a help. I will continue to do what is necessary to be safe and you do the same. Have a great weekend.
I wash my hands constantly when I am cooking especially when handling meat. Then I wash and disinfect the sink when I am done. When our Church was open, sanitizer was on every table, even when the Soup Kitchen was open for sit down eating; now it just grab and go. We’ll keep telling them and maybe they’ll learn. Have a good and blessed weekend.
Hi Mildred, I do exactly what you do when handling meat. Wow, I wish sanitizer was on every church table here. Great idea! It will be so nice when things open up again, we need humans. Face to face, smile to smile, even if we have a face mask. We need other humans around us. I love my dogs but humans are awesome too! Linda
Linda, I loved your article. As always, you did an excellent job. There are always tidbits in everything that I hadn’t thought of so everyone can get something out of your articles.
I find this whole Covid thing interesting. Yes, I am fully aware of and agree at how dangerous it is. I have my political views on it too, which I won’t get in to. My husband and I are seniors, and we are trying to be super careful about where we go, what we do, etc. I think masks, social distancing, sanitizer, etc. – it’s all necessary in this day and age. Viruses have evolved and strengthened. People are bringing germs over from other countries that are antibiotic resistant and that scares me. I am a firm believer in vaccinations (but I’m waiting for the second or third batch of Covid vaccines after it’s been tried and tested!) I remember the next door neighbor child getting polio and how my parents panicked! Luckily, I was spared. But do you remember our childhoods? I played in the dirt! barefoot! I camped, fished, hunted. No showers available there in the middle of nowhere. I drank out of a hose. I grew up on a ranch, had my horses, we had our own cattle – and wow, did they produce alot of manure that needed to be cleaned up! I did all those normal 1950’s/1960’s things that kids did and yet, I’m still here to tell about it. What I’m getting at is that people need to be somewhat exposed to little things to build up a natural immunity. Otherwise, if you live in a sanitary bubble, the tiniest virus will kill ya! Now, I’m not saying going to extremes like walking barefoot through cowpatties but you get my meaning. On the flip side of all this, people died of the slightest of things back then, too. We’ve come a long way, baby!
Wow, got on a soapbox there, didn’t I? I certainly don’t mean to preach and everyone is different but I just thought I would throw that out there.
Hi Robbie, what a great soapbox! I love it! My father and sister got polio and I remember being told stay out of the gutter. I’m still a barefoot person, but I didn’t grow up on a farm. LOL! I remember drinking out the hoses. My kids did too. We never knew that hoses were filled with lead. If they were back then, I have no idea. I hope things improve I still have family and friends out of work. This year has been rough for so many people. Great comment! Linda