There are several things you can do to avoid a bacterial infection. You not only want to prevent existing bacterial infections from worsening, but you also want to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Bacteria are organisms that can divide on their own accord and exist inside and outside your body. A majority of the bacteria you encounter on a daily basis are harmless or even helpful, but there are some that can cause an infection. The process of how to prevent a bacterial infection involves a few basic defensive measures that can be incorporated into your daily routine.
Method 1 of 2: Prevent Bacterial Infection on Your Body
1Confirm that you are clean and bacteria-free. Wash your hands with soap after sneezing or coughing and periodically throughout the day. Also wash your hands before eating as touching food with dirty hands can spread bacteria and become the cause of a bacterial infection.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces in your home such as telephone receivers, cell phones, doorknobs, toilet handles, and the kitchen sink.
2Avoid touching people and objects that you know are infected with your bare hands. This includes items located in public areas, such as pay phones and door handles. This is more of a concern if you live in a large city.
- Avoid shaking hands with anyone who has a cold. To be extra cautious, wash your hands after you shake hands with anyone just in case their hands carried a bacterial infection. Also avoid touching your eyes or nose after shaking hands with someone.
3Avoid touching bodily fluids from other people such as blood, saliva, and semen. Direct contact with these fluids are often the cause of bacterial and viral infections, such as hepatitis and AIDS.
Method 2 of 2: Prevent Bacterial Infection from Food
1Follow basic food safety practices because food is a common contributor to bacterial infections. Cut meat and vegetables on separate cutting boards, and store them separately to avoid cross-contamination.
2Prepare meat until it is well-done. Use a digital instant-read meat thermometer when cooking meat to be sure you have cooked the meat thoroughly enough to kill all the harmful bacteria. Make sure the thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) at the thickest part of the meat to ensure thorough cooking.
3Drink pasteurized milk, juice, and other beverages. Pasteurized beverages have been heated enough to kill harmful bacteria.
4Cook and cool down food as quickly as possible to prevent bacterial infection.
- Perishable food should not be left at room temperature any longer than necessary to prevent bacteria from multiplying on the food.
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- If you do happen to get a bacterial infection, visit your doctor for an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria that are causing the infection.
- Get tested and have your partner get tested for STDs before engaging in sexual activities. Use condoms even after you and your partner have been tested for extra protection against disease and pregnancy.
- Food left out overnight can be contaminated by the next day. Do not eat perishable food that has been stored at room temperature overnight.
Categories: Urinary Health
Recent edits by: Anna, Sachin, Nathan32100
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