Contagious diseases are illnesses spread from one person to another through various means. These illnesses can be deadly or cause severe health complications.

Everyone needs to take preventive measures to protect themselves from catching and spreading contagious diseases. Here are ten ways to protect yourself from contagious diseases.

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the simplest way to protect yourself from contagious diseases. Soap helps remove germs that cause diseases while water washes them away.

You should wash your hands after using the toilet, before and after handling food, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

2. Use Hand Sanitizers

If water and soap are not readily available, use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers can kill most germs on your hands and reduce your risk of catching contagious diseases.

3. Get Vaccinated

Vaccines protect you from contagious diseases by preparing your body to fight off the specific disease without actually getting infected. Vaccines can help boost your immunity and prevent you from becoming sick or spreading contagious diseases.

Consult with your doctor to see if you are up to date with the recommended vaccines.

4. Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

If possible, try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay away from crowded places, especially during flu seasons. If you are sick, stay home to avoid infecting others.

5. Cover Your Mouth and Nose when Coughing or Sneezing

Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the tissue immediately after use.

6. Keep Your Environment Clean

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that come into contact with people can help prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Use disinfectant sprays or wipes to clean commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops.

7. Practice Good Hygiene Habits

Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your risk of catching and spreading contagious diseases.

These habits include taking a shower or bath regularly, brushing your teeth twice daily, washing your hair regularly, and washing your clothes and bedding regularly.

8. Stay Home When Sick

If you are sick, stay home to avoid infecting others. This is especially important if you have a contagious disease such as the flu, a cold, or COVID-19. Stay home until you feel better and are no longer contagious.

9. Follow Health Guidelines and Recommendations

Follow health guidelines and recommendations from health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

These organizations provide up-to-date information on contagious diseases and ways to prevent and manage them.

10. Boost Your Immunity

Boosting your immunity can help your body fight off contagious diseases. Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, manage stress, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.