Infectious Disease Prevention

Colds, flu, and vomiting and diarrhea are common illnesses that can be spread at home. Learn how these and other infectious illnesses are spread so you can prevent them.

Infectious illnesses are caused by germs—usually bacteria or viruses. Germs can be spread by touching, eating, drinking, or breathing something that contains a germ. Germs can also spread by animal and insect bites, kissing, or sexual contact.

Health and Safety Tips

• Stop the spread of germs:
  • Wash your hands often. This is especially important before and after preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet.
  • Prepare and store foods properly.(Partnership for Food Safety Education [PFSE]
  • Keep your pets healthy
  • Control pests that can transmit disease, such as insects and rodents, by using fewer pesticides [PDF - 98 KB].
• Help your body fight germs:
  • Eat well, stay fit, and get enough sleep.
    http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htm
    http://www.cdc.gov/sleep/how_much_sleep.htm
  • Get vaccinated. Both children and adults need immunizations. Check with your doctor or nurse to see what shots you and your family might need.
• Prevent antibiotic resistance:
  • Learn when antibiotics work.

Important Links

• Seven keys to a safer healthier home [PDF - 3.02 MB]
• Stop the spread of germs at home
• Food-related illness (PFSE)
• Hand washing to avoid the spread of germs
• Seasonal influenza