7 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Harmful Microorganisms
Microbes are omnipresent, and not all of them are harmful. However, an excessive presence of harmful microbes can cause health issues that vary from minor to critical. To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, it's crucial for every family member to understand and adhere to specific principles that will help you navigate your days without falling ill.
1. Wash Your Hands the Right Way
There’s no safety precaution more highly suggested right now than this simple habit of washing hands regularly. But did you know there’s a proper way to do it?
Under running water, lather up the soap, and keep rubbing your hands together while paying special attention to the areas between the fingers. This should last for a good 20 seconds before you rinse and dry your hands.
2. Wear Antimicrobial Face Masks
Germs are also in the air we breathe. When a sick person coughs or sneezes, those tiny droplets can remain on surfaces or enter our bodies just by simply breathing them in.
By wearing a cloth face mask, however, you can protect your family members who may have weaker immune systems, including kids, the elderly, and those who have pre-existing medical conditions.
Wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting your family — it also protects other people in your community. Instead of coughing or sneezing into your sleeves (which can still transmit droplets to others), you can simply wear a facemask to prevent your respiratory droplets from spreading out in the first place. Wearing a face mask in style is also possible if you know where to purchase the right cloth face coverings.
3. Disinfect Common Items and Areas
Often, the safest place to be is at home. But if you want to keep the family healthy, you need to sanitize frequently used items and surfaces, such as kitchen countertops, doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, and even your mobile phones.
It’s also important to clean bathrooms, the kitchen, and the living room since these are places that people regularly spend their time in.
4. Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is one way for the body to build up immunity against serious illnesses. While some viral diseases don’t have vaccines yet, it’s important to make sure every family member is up to date with the available ones to prevent more serious health problems down the road.
5. Practice Healthy Habits When around Animals
Apart from keeping pets healthy, you should also clean your hands after feeding, touching, or caring for a beloved pet.
Animals can also transmit certain diseases, but as long as you keep them healthy, clean, and regularly checked by a vet, you can still enjoy their company.
6. Keep Hydrated
Drinking ample amounts of water is one of the most effective ways to ward off airborne germs. It keeps the lining of the nose moist, which can help prevent germs from reaching your lungs.
When you drink water, you hydrate the mucous membrane in your nostrils that catches dust and germs before they get to the lungs, which is very important for keeping the respiratory system clean and healthy.
7. Follow Social Distancing or Just Stay at Home
The closer you are to others physically, the more chances of spreading germs. This is why it’s best to stay a good six feet away from other people, especially in public.
Another way to protect your family from germs is to just stay at home. Not only does it let you bond with the special people in your life, but it can also encourage everyone to pick up a fulfilling hobby such as reading books, cooking, or learning a little computer programming.
Following these simple health and safety measures will go a long way in preserving the health and wellbeing of your family. Protect your loved ones from harmful microorganisms by keeping them in mind.
