Infection prevention: easy, practical steps that work

Small habits make a big difference when it comes to stopping bugs from spreading. You don't need fancy supplies—just consistent, smart actions. This page gives clear, usable tips for home, work, travel, and after medical procedures.

Everyday habits that cut risk

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) when soap and water aren't available. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands—eyes, nose, and mouth are entry points for germs. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands.

Keep commonly touched surfaces clean: doorknobs, light switches, phones, and keyboards. Use household cleaners as directed. For shared spaces, wipe high-touch areas daily during illness seasons or when someone at home is sick.

Vaccines, meds, and wound care

Vaccines are one of the most reliable ways to prevent infections. Stay up to date with flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other shots your doctor recommends. If you have a wound, clean it right away with water, apply an appropriate antiseptic, and cover with a clean bandage. Change dressings if they get wet or dirty, and watch for redness, swelling, or pus.

Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare provider and take the full course as directed. Misusing antibiotics leads to resistance, making future infections harder to treat. If you have a catheter, wound drain, or medical device, follow healthcare instructions for cleaning and monitoring to prevent device-related infections.

For urinary tract infection prevention, drink enough water, urinate after sex, and follow any specific advice from your clinician. For respiratory protections in crowded places, wearing a well-fitting mask reduces risk—choose one that matches the setting and your health needs.

Food safety prevents gut infections: cook meat to safe temperatures, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

Travel smart: check vaccination requirements, pack basic first-aid and antiseptic supplies, drink bottled or treated water when advised, and avoid risky food stalls in areas with poor sanitation.

After surgery or anesthesia, follow movement and blood-clot prevention advice—moving when safe, wearing compression stockings if recommended, and following wound care instructions lowers complications and infection risk.

When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider. If you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, drainage, or other worrying signs, seek care quickly. Early treatment keeps small problems from becoming serious.

At home, limit sharing personal items like towels, razors, and toothbrushes. If someone is sick, try to keep them in one room and wash their bedding separately. For laundry, use the warmest water safe for the fabric and dry items completely. At work, stay home when contagious and clean shared equipment. For kids, keep vaccine schedules up, teach handwashing with a 20‑second song, and disinfect toys regularly. With pets, wash hands after handling and avoid letting pets lick open cuts. Good indoor ventilation and clean filters help reduce airborne spread.