How you can prevent and control disease transmission

Infectious diseases circulating in the home and community have significant impact on the health and prosperity of our communities. Infections could be reduced by stringent personal hygiene habits such as handwashing by individuals, especially in the home.

 

During the past 20 years infectious diseases have prompted renewed emphasis on simple approaches such as hand-washing and improved food handling techniques in the kitchen. Even signage and new technologies such as automatic water taps and toilets have been installed as strategies to reduce the spread of infection within our social and work lives outside the home.

 

In the event of a flu pandemic, it is likely that hygiene will be our first (and best) defense, especially during the early critical period before mass vaccination becomes available. Practicing proper cough and sneezing techniques (covering with your sleeve rather than your hand) is one of the primary strategies we should learn and teach our children and friends. Secondary infection by subsequently touching hard surfaces or another person not only endangers others, but could prolong pandemic conditions within the community.

 

“Targeted hygiene” starts from the principle that pathogens may be introduced continually

into the home, by people (who may have an infection or may be asymptomatic), contaminated food, water, or air, or by domestic animals. Additionally, stagnant water or wet linens or cloths readily support microbial growth and can become primary reservoirs of infection. In many homes, there will be at least one family member who is more susceptible to infections than others.

 

It may be obvious but the hands rank the highest in the spread of disease and infection. The second most frequent contamination mode is food contact surfaces, cleaning cloths and utensils. Together, these “superhighways” spread pathogens around the home to the harm of healthy family members, or to the foods they consume.