Preventing infections: simple, proven steps you can use today

Want to avoid getting sick or spreading germs to the people you care about? Small daily habits make a big difference. Below are clear, practical actions you can start using now—no jargon, no fuss.

Everyday habits that lower risk

Wash your hands often and the right way: wet, lather, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren’t available. Avoid touching your face—especially eyes, nose, and mouth—unless your hands are clean. When you cough or sneeze, cover with a tissue or your elbow, then clean your hands.

Keep shared surfaces clean in busy spots at home: door handles, phone screens, and kitchen counters. A regular wipe with household disinfectant after someone’s been sick helps. For shared electronics, use alcohol wipes or soft microfiber cloths to avoid damage.

Medical steps and smart choices

Stay up to date with vaccines you need—flu shots every year, and other vaccines as advised by your doctor. Vaccines lower the chance you’ll get seriously ill and reduce spread to others. If you’ve got chronic health issues, ask your provider which shots matter most for you.

Wound care matters more than people think. Clean cuts right away with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a clean bandage. If a wound gets red, swollen, drains pus, or you develop a fever, see a healthcare professional quickly.

Use antibiotics wisely. They fight bacteria, not viruses. Don’t pressure your clinician for antibiotics for a cold. If a prescription is needed, take the dose exactly as directed and don’t stop early unless your doctor tells you—this helps prevent resistant bacteria.

Food safety prevents gut infections. Cook meat to safe temperatures (poultry to 165°F/74°C), wash raw fruits and vegetables, avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

If you’re traveling, check local health advisories and vaccine requirements. Bring a small hygiene kit: hand sanitizer, a thermometer, any regular meds, and basic wound supplies. In crowded indoor spaces during outbreaks, a well-fitted mask still reduces your risk.

For people with weakened immune systems, extra caution helps: avoid crowded places during high-risk periods, check visitors for illness, and keep routine medical appointments. Talk to your clinician about extra steps, like prophylactic meds or specialized vaccines.

Finally, trust reliable sources for guidance—official health agencies and your doctor. If you buy medicines online, use licensed pharmacies and verify prescriptions. Prevention is mostly common sense plus consistent habits. Start with one change this week—wash more, keep vaccines current, or clean that shared remote—and you’ll cut your infection risk in a real way.