Infectious Diseases

Vaccines are available to stop many common infectious diseases including hepatitis, diphtheria, influenza and herpes zoster. Infectious diseases are the main reason for illness and death round the world. The best way to prevent infections is to limit pathogens from entering the body. The first line of defense is to stay germs cornered by following good personal hygiene habits.

• Hands should be washed well after using bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and after gardening or other dirty tasks, after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing, feeding or stroking pets and visiting or caring for a sick person.
• Mouth and nose should be covered with a tissue while sneezing or coughing and then disposed off. In case where tissue is not available coughing or sneezing should be done in elbow.
• Any types of cut should be washed and bandaged. However a serious cut or animal or human bite should be examined by a doctor.
• Healing wounds or blemishes or pimples should not be picked.
• Dishes, glasses or eating utensils should not be shared.
• Direct contact should be avoided with napkins, tissues, handkerchiefs or similar items used by others.
• Meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables should be rinsed well before cooking or serving them.
• Hand washing with soap and water is essential before and after handling raw meat.
• Children should receive the recommended childhood vaccinations.