Prevention Of Common Infectious Diseases In Singapore: Protect Yourself From Infectious Diseases

Generally, infectious agents can enter your body through 4 main ways:

– Skin contact or injuries

– Inhalation of airborne germs

– Ingestion of contaminated food or water

– Tick or mosquito bites

By knowing these routes of spread of diseases, you can cut them off and prevent yourself from being infected by these diseases.

1. Practice good hygiene habits daily to limit the spread of potential germs as much as possible:

– Wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom, before preparing food and after sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

– Prepare food safely by keeping counters, food utensils and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. In addition, promptly refrigerate leftovers — don't let cooked foods remain at room temperature for extended periods of time.

– Clean household surfaces often as microorganism may stay on them.

– Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth or nose with your elbow. After using a tissue, discard it immediately into a proper waste receptacle and wash your hands.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs typically enter the body through these points.

– Don't share personal items. Use your own toothbrush, comb and razor. Avoid sharing drinking glasses or dining utensils.

2. Keep all immunizations up to date for hepatitis A and influenza etc.

3. Stay at home and don't go to school if you're vomiting, having diarrhoea or running a fever.

4. Travel wisely and do not fly when you're ill. With so many people confined to a small area, you may infect other passengers on the plane. If you're traveling out of the country, talk to your doctor about any special vaccinations you may need.

5. See a doctor if you are feeling unwell.