Germs are everywhere, and they can pose a serious threat to our health. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs, it’s more important now than ever before to rethink our approach to disease prevention.

But what can we do to stop these unstoppable germs in their tracks? Here are ten ways we can rethink disease prevention to better protect ourselves and our communities.

1. Wash Your Hands

One of the simplest things you can do to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands frequently.

You should wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, and any time you’ve been in contact with surfaces that may be contaminated with germs. Use soap and warm water, and wash your hands for at least twenty seconds.

2. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes

When you cough or sneeze, germs can spread through the air and land on surfaces, where they can survive for hours or even days. To prevent the spread of germs, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hand.

And, of course, wash your hands often to keep them clean.

3. Get Your Vaccinations

Vaccines are an essential tool in preventing the spread of disease. They help protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and whooping cough.

Make sure you’re up to date on all your vaccinations, and talk to your doctor about any vaccines you may need.

4. Stay Home When You’re Sick

If you’re feeling sick, the best thing you can do is stay home. This helps prevent the spread of germs to others. If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of a respiratory illness, stay home until you’re feeling better.

And remember, if you do have to go out in public, wear a mask to help protect those around you.

Social distancing is another important tool in preventing the spread of disease. This means staying at least six feet away from others in public, avoiding large crowds, and staying home whenever possible.

By reducing your exposure to other people, you can help protect yourself and those around you from germs.

6. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Germs can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, so it’s important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

Use a disinfectant that’s effective against the germs you’re trying to kill, and follow the directions on the label carefully.

Sharing personal items like towels, razors, and utensils can spread germs from one person to the next. To protect yourself and others, avoid sharing these items whenever possible.

And if you do share, make sure to clean and disinfect them thoroughly before and after use.

8. Practice Good Food Safety

Foodborne illnesses are caused by germs like bacteria and viruses that can contaminate food. To prevent these illnesses, it’s important to practice good food safety.

This means washing your hands before handling food, cooking meat to the appropriate temperature, and storing food properly.

9. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy and preventing disease. Exercise can boost your immune system, making it better able to fight off germs.

Plus, it can help reduce stress, which can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.