Here are some essential tips to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and illnesses. We encourage you and your family to learn these healthy habits to protect your loved ones from getting sick and infected.

1. Observe respiratory and personal hygiene.

Teach everyone in the family proper health procedures like washing hands thoroughly and covering nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Health officials have already highlighted that basic hygiene practices such as washing hands with antibacterial soap and water can prevent the spread of infectious diseases like the new coronavirus.

 2. Avoid crowding and practice social distancing. 

You and your family should avoid going to crowded places to reduce your risk of getting contagious diseases and viruses. This is to avoid close contact with anyone in the public who are showing symptoms of any respiratory illness or communicable disease. Today, people are encouraged to practice social distancing in order to "flatten the curve" or avoid the spread of COVID-19.  

 3. Avoid spitting in public places 

This is one of the best ways to avoid the spread of harmful microbes in your environment and infecting other people if you are suffering from respiratory problems or communicable disease. Also, since COVID-19 spread through respiratory droplets, it is advisable not to spit since the saliva may contain sputum from the lungs. Transmission of the virus may occur when the droplets enter the eyes, nose and mouth. 

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle even if you stay at home

If you must stay at home due to quarantines and lockdowns, you should keep your house always clean. Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. You need to boost your immunity by having a healthy lifestyle, you can do physical workout at home during your spare time and and practice meditation on a daily basis to reduce stress. 

5. If sick, wait for the correct diagnosis by your healthcare practitioner. 

Illnesses should be considered contagious until the diagnosis is definitely made. You should stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, just even with mild symptoms like headache and runny nose until you recover. There are different communicable diseases and viruses so the right diagnosis is important to know the right treatment and medications. 

6. Practice self-isolation if you are not feeling well

At the first sign of illness in any member of the household, isolate, avoid sharing food and separate linen and utensils. If they experience difficulty in breathing, fever and cough seek medical care early and contact your healthcare provider. If you have any symptoms of any communicable disease, practicing self-isolation is an effective precautionary measure to protect the people around you, including your family and friends.

7. The sick should be attended to and treated as early as possible

8. Contact and consult your healthcare practitioner

Further information and instructions on the prevention of a particular disease or illness may be obtained from attending or contacting your healthcare practitioner or family doctor as details will vary from illness to illness as well as from person to person. Consulting your physician can provide comprehensive care and give you personalized medical advice.