There are diseases and illnesses that are not preventable, but communicable diseases are types that you have the ability to prevent. Infectious diseases can be passed from person to person, from an insect or animal to a person or from contaminated food to a person, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Immunizations
Making sure that you are up to date with immunizations is important. If you are not sure, ask your doctor what immunizations you might need or ask for blood tests for immunity. There are immunizations available that can prevent communicable illnesses such as chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella and influenza.
Hand Washing
The importance of hand washing can't be overstated, because germs are often transmitted by hand contact, especially if you touch your mouth, eye or nose with a contaminated hand. According to the Rhode Island Department of Public Health, you should wash your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing, after preparing food, after changing a diaper or after playing with a pet.
Food Preparation
When you are preparing food, remember there are illnesses you can get if it is not prepared or stored properly. The Rhode Island Department of Public Health makes the following recommendations: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Make sure the thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer are working. Wash down counters, boards or utensils used for cutting raw meat with soap and hot water. Wash fruits and vegetables and make sure that you are cooking meat thoroughly.
When You Are Traveling
If you are traveling to another country, ask your doctor if there are certain immunizations you should get first. In some areas, there might be illnesses like malaria or encephalitis which are carried by mosquitoes, so you may need to take precautions such as using a mosquito net. In other places, it might not be safe to drink bottled water. Check the Centers for Disease Control website for overseas health advisories and health precautions.
Personal Items and Sexual Contact
Personal items like razors or toothbrushes should not be shared. Certain blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B can be transmitted by sharing such items. Having multiple sexual partners or not using condoms can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, so know your partner's history and use condoms.
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