When it comes to viral and bacterial infections, prevention is the best medicine. And while each condition can have unique risks factors and causes, there are a variety of shared prevention strategies that can reduce our risk of getting sick, while also minimizing the spread to others.
- Wash your hands. Frequent and thorough handwashing, especially after sneezing or coughing, can lower your risk. In fact, according to the CDC, handwashing alone can reduce respiratory illnesses by about 20 percent in the general population.
- Get vaccinated. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent respiratory illnesses and mitigate symptoms. Annual flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can reduce severe illness, while pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent bacterial pneumonia. RSV vaccines are also now available for eligible groups.
- Cover your cough. Always sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow. Immediately dispose of tissues and remember to wash your hands.
- Avoid close contact. When you’re sick or at risk, practicing physical distancing is a wise move, especially in crowded spaces.
- Wear a mask. Especially during the peak of flu and COVID-19 season, wearing a mask indoors or in a crowd can minimize the spread of infectious droplets in the air.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sleeping well, eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking and pollutants can also keep our immune systems and respiratory systems in tip-top shape.
And even if you are generally healthy, remember that we all have an obligation to protect high-risk groups around us, such as the elderly and those who are immunocompromised or live with chronic illnesses.
By following these simple yet effective steps, we can reduce the spread of illnesses and protect ourselves, our families and communities.