Disease-How to Reduce the Risk/Protect Yourself From Disease

3. INSECTS

THE THREAT: Some insects can infect you with the harmful microorganisms that live inside them.

YOUR DEFENSE:  Limit contact with disease-carrying insects by staying indoors when they are active or by wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and long trousers. Sleep under treated insect nets, and use  personal insect repellent.  Eliminate containers of stagnant water where mosquitoes could breed.

4. ANIMALS

THE THREAT:  Microbes that live harmlessly inside an animal can threaten your health. If you are bitten or scratched by a pet or another animal or exposed to its feces, you could be at risk.

YOUR DEFENSE: Some people choose to keep their animals outside the house to minimize contact with them. Wash you hands after touching a domestic animal, and avoid all contact with wild animals. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly  and seek a doctor's advice. 

5. PEOPLE

THE THREAT: Some germs can invade your body by riding on tiny droplets in someone's cough or sneeze.  They can also spread through skin contact, such as hugging or shaking hands. Microorganisms from other people may lurk on such items as doorknobs, handrails, telephones, remote controls, or computer screens and keyboards. 

YOUR DEFENSE: Do not share personal items, such as razors, toothbrushes, or towels. Avoid contact with body fluids from animals or from other people, including blood and products derived from blood. And do not underestimate the benefits of washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. It is perhaps the most effective way you can stop the spread of infection.

If possible, stay home when you are sick.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, but into your hands.  Hint: Make sure you cover your whole mouth, because germs and viruses can escape otherwise. 

An ancient proverb states:  "The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself."  (Proverbs 22:3)  How true are those words today in a world plagued with potentially dangerous diseases!  so inform yourself by consulting local health services, and conceal yourself from danger by practicing good hygiene. Bolster your defenses and reduce the risk of disease!


Next time: Disease-How to Reduce the Risk/How to Reduce the Risk During an Epidemic

From the Awake! magazine