Alexander M. Patch Elementary School
Stuttgart, Germany

Stopping Spread of Infection

Some diseases have become Immune to the antibiotics we use. As a result, controlling disease and preventing infection from spreading are more crucial than ever, and doing so begins with measures every individual can take. Here are "7 tips" to remember:

®Wash your hands frequently-especially before preparing food, before eating, and after using the restroom. Insist that your health care providers wash their hands and use gloves, especially before any invasive treatment or procedure.

®Don’t insist that your physician give you antibiotics if you don't need them. Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed; do not stop taking them without checking with your physician, even if the medicine makes you feel better-or worse.

®Keep your immunizations-and those of your children-up to date.

®Don't send your child to a day care center or to school with symptoms of an infection-such as vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever.

® Don't share personal items-such as tooth brushes, combs, and hairbrushes-and don't eat or drink from others' plates or glasses.

®Keep kitchen surfaces clean, especially when preparing meat, chicken, and fish; disinfect kitchen surfaces.

®Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, especially when they will be left out for a long time.