1. Wash Hands Frequently
Bacteremia is a very serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infection in the blood. Occasionally, a simple infection such as the common cold can work itself into the bloodstream of susceptible people. One of the best and easiest things you can do to keep yourself healthy in the first place is to wash your hands. Most of us wash our hands quickly after using the restroom without so much as a second thought. The reality is that we need to wash our hands for a solid 30 seconds and work up a good lather with warm water to eliminate most germs.
2. Keep Wounds Clean
All wounds are potential entry points for infections. Some wounds are serious and require a doctor's care, but most people have the necessary tools right in the medicine cabinet for treating most superficial wounds. Wash each wound with mild soap and water twice daily. Apply a thin layer of an antibacterial ointment, such as Bacitracin, and cover with clean, dry gauze. You may want to allow the wound to air at night. Repeat this regimen daily until the wound is completely healed.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Wounds
Each time you clean your wound, become a scientist and observe it closely. Is the skin surrounding the wound red? Is it tender? Does it feel warmer than the other side of your body? Look for discharge from your wound. Clear discharge is common and is not as concerning as yellow, thick or foul-smelling discharge. If you suspect infection, you should consult your doctor.
4. Report High Fevers
High fevers (greater than 101 degrees F) from any source of infection should be reported to your doctor. Any common infection such as a common cold or urinary tract infection can become a more serious infection, and this is often signaled by high fevers. Keep a thermometer handy in your medicine cabinet. Do not eat or drink anything before taking your temperature, since this can affect the accuracy of your reading.
5. Ask Your Doctor About Additional Testing
If you tend to have frequent infections, you may want to ask your doctor if she recommends screening for underlying disorders that may predispose you to frequent infections. Diabetes is a common and underdiagnosed disorder that affects the pancreas and can predispose you to more frequent infections, or infections that do not heal. If you have any risk factors for HIV, it's not a bad idea to talk to your doctor about possible screening.
