Communicable Disease Prevention
In working through this pandemic we all are certainly aware of the responsibilities in preventing the spread of Covid-19: Washing and disinfecting, wearing masks, and encouraging vaccination.
While most communicable diseases are treatable, preventing the infection is the best approach. Communicable infections spread in many ways, including:
- Putting your hands in your mouth or touching your nose with germs on your hands.
- Inhaling after an ill person nearby has coughed or sneezed.
- Eating food contaminated from improper storage, handling food without proper handwashing, or consuming food that someone who is ill sneezes or coughs around.
- Touching blood, vomit, or stool from an infected person.
Good handwashing is the most important step you can take to prevent spreading germs. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is OK for many situations, but if blood or soiling of the hands is present, or if you have diarrhea, then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. To help reduce airborne germs, encourage everyone to cough and sneeze into an elbow or shoulder.
And don't overlook vaccinations. Ensure everyone in your circle are up-to-date in their vaccinations and wearing masks when appropriate.
