Times of widespread illness or epidemics can understandably cause concern. It’s important to rely on credible public health guidance and focus on practical, preventative measures rather than succumbing to fear or adopting unproven strategies. Taking sensible precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick and help protect those around you. Here are eight key areas to focus on:
Isolate When Sick to Prevent Spread: One of the most effective ways to slow the spread of illness is for individuals who are sick to stay home and avoid contact with others. Since many illnesses spread easily in enclosed spaces where people gather, keeping sick family members away from work, school, and public areas is crucial for community health. In some situations, public health officials may recommend or require formal quarantine or isolation.
Proactively Manage Chronic Health Conditions: If you have pre-existing conditions, especially respiratory ones like asthma or allergies, periods of high illness transmission can pose extra risks. It’s wise to speak with your healthcare provider about the best plan for managing your condition during such times. This might involve discussing adjustments to your regular medication or having an action plan ready if symptoms worsen. Crucially, always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.
Practice Good Hygiene and Maintain Distance: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace (doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards). Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Additionally, try to avoid close contact with people who are showing obvious symptoms of illness.
Ensure Food Safety: Proper food handling and cooking are always important, but especially so when trying to stay healthy. Harmful bacteria in food can cause illness. Cook meat, poultry, fish, and eggs to safe internal temperatures (generally 167°F/75°C or higher) to kill potential pathogens. Ensure hot foods are kept hot (at least 140°F/60°C) before serving.
Be Cautious with Animal Contact: Some infectious diseases (zoonotic diseases) can spread from animals to people through touch, bites, scratches, or even shared environments. During an epidemic, be extra cautious around wild animals and even farm animals. If contact is necessary, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling animals, their food, supplies, or cleaning their living areas.
Maintain Household Hygiene Practices: Germs can linger on shared household items. Make it a habit to regularly launder shared towels (kitchen and bathroom) and avoid reusing personal towels or washcloths multiple times without washing, especially if someone in the household is unwell.
Stay Well-Hydrated: Your body often requires more fluids when fighting off illness or even when stressed. Dehydration can occur easily. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day – water is best, but broth, diluted fruit juice, milk, or decaffeinated tea/coffee can also contribute. If feeling unwell, sipping fluids frequently, sucking on ice chips, or using a humidifier can also help maintain hydration. Avoid excessive sugary or caffeinated beverages.
Prepare Essential Supplies: During a significant outbreak, you might need or want to stay home for extended periods. It’s prudent to have a reasonable supply of essentials on hand. Consider keeping a two-week supply of non-perishable food items, drinking water, necessary medications (prescription and over-the-counter), hygiene products (soap, sanitizer, toilet paper, tissues, feminine hygiene items), cleaning supplies, and pet food if applicable.
Taking these practical steps can empower you to protect your health and contribute to the well-being of your community during challenging times. Stay informed by following guidance from official public health organizations.
