Infection Prevention: Practical Steps You Can Use Today

Want to avoid getting sick and stop spreading infections to others? You don’t need fancy gear. A few reliable habits—done the right way—cut infections a lot. Below are clear, usable tips you can start right now.

Everyday habits that actually work

Wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds—after the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or touching high‑traffic surfaces. When soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Keep a small bottle in your bag or at your desk.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Toss used tissues immediately and wash your hands. If you’re sick, stay home when possible to limit spread—working or pushing through illness often spreads germs to others.

Clean high-touch surfaces regularly: doorknobs, phone screens, keyboards, and remote controls. A simple disinfectant wipe or diluted bleach solution works for most household germs. For shared spaces, encourage quick daily wipe-downs.

Improve indoor airflow. Open a window briefly, use an exhaust fan, or run a portable air cleaner if you’re in a crowded place. Better ventilation lowers the amount of virus or bacteria in the air and reduces transmission risk.

Medications, vaccines, and smart prevention

Vaccines are one of the most reliable ways to prevent specific infections. Stay current on recommended shots—flu, COVID (when advised), and others your doctor suggests. Vaccines protect you and people around you who can’t be vaccinated.

Use antibiotics only when a clinician prescribes them for a confirmed bacterial infection. Don’t pressure providers for antibiotics for viral illnesses like colds. Finish the prescribed course unless your doctor tells you otherwise, and never share leftover antibiotics with someone else.

Buy medicines from trusted sources. Our site has guides on safe online pharmacies and how to spot fakes. If you order meds online, verify the pharmacy’s credentials, read recent reviews, and watch for prices that seem too good to be true—counterfeit meds are a real infection risk if they don’t treat the disease properly.

For wounds, clean the area promptly with soap and water, apply an appropriate antiseptic, and cover with a sterile dressing. Watch for signs of infection—increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever—and see a clinician quickly if those appear.

Special situations need extra care: if you work in healthcare, care for someone who’s frail, or travel to places with different health risks, get tailored advice from a healthcare provider. Athletes and frequent travelers should know their unique risks and prevention steps.

When to seek help: get urgent care for severe symptoms—high fever, trouble breathing, confusion, or a wound that’s rapidly worsening. For less severe concerns, contact your primary care provider for guidance rather than guessing online.

Small changes add up. Wash hands, keep spaces clean and ventilated, use vaccines wisely, and handle medicines safely. Do those things consistently and you’ll cut your risk of infection—and help protect the people around you.