How to curtail the spread of infectious diseases
Infectious diseases spread rapidly among people. They are transferred from one human or animal to another by microscopic organisms known as pathogens; these include viruses, fungi, parasites, and bacteria. They get into the body through openings such as the mouth, nose, and anus. There are various ways in which you can curtail contagious diseases from spreading.
First, you should maintain general hygiene by cleaning hands before and after eating, after using the toilet and before and after preparing meals. Clean hands using running water and apply soap. Ensure you clean them thoroughly. Rub in between the fingers and nails. Also, clean the kitchen area and the bathroom and disinfect them.
Before cooking, clean vegetables and fruits, do not eat unpeeled fruits. Ensure that you cook raw meat with the required heat to kill all the pathogens. Evade using the same utensils for cooking and storing cooked and fresh foods without washing them. Store leftovers in a refrigerator; do not allow them to stay too long at room temperature as they may become breeding grounds for pathogens.
Secondly, get a vaccine. Also, ensure you vaccinate your pets and kids. In case you contract the disease, and you get medications. Take them properly as prescribed. Continue taking them even after you feel better; make sure you complete the dose. Stay at home. Avoid traveling if necessary. If you must visit, drink bottled water with properly-fixed caps. Carry an insect repellant to prevent getting insect-borne diseases. Have sex with only one partner. Encourage your partner test for STIs and also do a test. Use a condom while having sex and, if possible, abstain.
Maintain a clean environment, drain stagnant water, and clear all bushes to destroy the breeding grounds for insects such as mosquitoes that spread malaria. Use disinfectant in rodent-infested areas. Cover foods and garbage to prevent rodents from spreading pathogens as they look for food. Wild animals like foxes, wild dogs, bats, and coyotes spread infectious diseases such as rabies. Make sure you keep pets away from such animals.
Information is crucial in keeping infectious diseases at bay. Inform others how the disease spreads and precautions they can take to avoid spreading and contracting the disease. That will promote social responsibility and prevent the disease from spreading at the community level. Finally, avoid sharing personal items such as razor blades, needles, and utensils.
References
Funk, Sebastian, Marcel Salathé, and Vincent AA Jansen. “Modelling the influence of human behaviour on the spread of infectious diseases: a review.” Journal of the Royal Society Interface 7.50 (2010): 1247-1256.
Pirages, Dennis, and Paul Runci. “Ecological interdependence and the spread of infectious disease.” Beyond sovereignty: issues for a global agenda (2000): 173-194.
