PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
These are some of the general preventive measures against communicable diseases.
1.ADEQUATE NUTRITION:
Eating a balanced diet will help the body to build the immune system which will fight against diseases. A well nourished body will be capable of resisting diseases.
2. PERSONAL HYGIENE:
This is the most important way of preventing all forms of communicable diseases. Cleanliness of the body, hands, legs , teeth , hair and fingernails is very important. Bathing regularly and avoiding sharing personal effects like blade, manicure sets, toothbrush, clippers on the waves and dresses are also important.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION:
Keeping the immediate surroundings clean and tidy will discourage flies, mosquitoes , harmful insects and snakes and there will be no contamination of food and drink.
4. THE USE OF PORTABLE AND SAFE WATER:
Water can be bald and filtered. Doing so we will kill all the germs and render the water safe for consumption.
5. PROPER DISPOSAL OF REFUSE AND SEWAGE;
There should be proper refuse disposal methods around the house. Toilet should be washed and disinfected and soakaway should be emptied regularly. There should be no leakage.
6. PROMPT AND ROUTINE MEDICAL CHECK-UP AND TREATMENT:
Going for medical check-up should be done regularly as it helps improve healthy living full stop and ill people should go to the hospital immediately for proper diagnosis. There should be no self-medication.
7. VENTILATION:
Living in a well-ventilated apartment helps to prevent diseases. There should be cross-ventilation in every home.
8. IMMUNIZATION:
Every child should be immunized according to the specified time and age. This helps to prevent killer diseases especially in children.
9. VACCINATION:
This is a process of fortifying the body with a chemically modified toxin which has the ability to stimulate the formation and production of antibodies which fight against diseases. Everybody should participate in it in accordance with the laid-down procedure for his administration.
10. HANDLE AND PREPARE FOOD SAFELY:
Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing any food, especially raw meat. Always wash fruits and vegetables. Cook and keep foods at proper temperatures. Don’t leave food out – refrigerate promptly.
11: WASH YOUR HANDS ALWAYS:
One of the most important healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs is to clean your hands. Our hands can carry germs, so it is important to wash them often, even if they don’t look dirty.
When to Wash Your Hands,
A. Make sure to clean your hands before and after: Using the bathroom or changing diapers, Eating, Cooking or serving food, Treating a cut or wound, Contact with a sick person, Putting on and removing protective equipment like a face mas
B. Clean your hands after these actions:
a. Coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
b. Touching another person’s hands or touching an animal or pet, handling garbage, touching frequently touched areas (doorknobs) or contaminated items (dirty laundry or dishes).
C. How to Wash Hands with Soap and Water:
a.Wet hands and apply soap.
b. Rub hands for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces.
c. Rinse hands.
d .Dry hands with a clean cloth or paper towel. If in a public place, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.
e .Then, throw it in the trash.
*When helping a child, wash their hands first, and then your own.
How to Clean Hands with Hand Sanitizer:
a.Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available and if your hands do not look dirty.
b. To be effective hand sanitizer must have at least 60% alcohol content.
c. Apply hand sanitizer to both hands.
d. Rub hands covering all surfaces until dry. If your hands dry before 10 seconds you did not use enough. Apply more and repeat.
*Although not as effective as washing one’s hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, pre-moistened cleansing towels with at least 60% alcohol content can be an alternative.
11. HEALTH EDUCATION:
Reading books, journals and other materials that provide information on how to live in good health helps individuals. It is also good to listen to radio programs and watch television programs that deal with Health matters.