Preventing Infections beyond
Hand Washing
Get to know essential daily practices to reduce infection risks beyond hand washing. By implementing these measures, individuals can significantly lower their chances of contracting and spreading infections.
Regular Ventilation
Ventilation lowers indoor virus concentrations and reduces infection risk. For instance, opening windows in a typical home can replace about 50% of indoor air with fresh air. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), effective ventilation requires 5-10 minutes every two hours.
Proper Cough Etiquette
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing prevents droplets from spreading and protects others from infection. Droplets from coughs and sneezes can travel up to 2 meters. Following proper cough etiquette can reduce the risk of droplet transmission by up to 80%.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Touching your face can transfer viruses from your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth, increasing the risk of infection. On average, people touch their faces 16 times per hour. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can increase the risk of virus entry into the body by up to 41%.
Regular Gargling
Gargling helps to clean the throat and remove pathogens, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. Studies suggest that regular gargling can reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections by up to 36%. It is recommended to gargle with water or antiseptic solutions several times a day, especially after coming home from public places.
There are several ways to prevent infections besides hand washing. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can minimize the risk of infection.
Share this article on
