Infection Prevention

11 Tips to Prevent the Spread of Infection

1. Wash your hands frequently—especially before preparing food, before eating, and after using the restroom. Insist that your healthcare providers wash their hands and use gloves.


2. Don't insist that your physician give you antibiotics if you don't need them. Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses.


3. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed. Do not stop taking them without checking with your physician, even if the medicine makes you feel better—or worse.


4. Keep your immunizations up to date.


5. Follow safe sexual practices.


6. Don't send your child to a day care center or to a school with symptoms of an infection such as vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever.


7. Do not use I.V. drugs. If you do, don't share needles.


8. Don't share personal items such as razor blades, tooth brushes, combs, and hairbrushes. Don't eat or drink from others' plates or glasses.


9. Keep kitchen surfaces clean, especially when preparing meat, chicken, and fish. Disinfect kitchen surfaces.


10. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, especially when they will be left out for a long time.


11. When you are at a clinic or hospital:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of the used tissue in the waste basket.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• You may also be asked to wear a mask to protect others.
• Don't worry if you see staff and other people wearing masks. They are preventing the spread of germs.