In early May this year, the United Nations declared that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency. Despite it being a huge relief, one must still stay vigilant. Changes in weather conditions, temperature fluctuations and congregating in huge numbers can cause a rise in infections.
How to prevent infections
Many cases of infections can be prevented if people are vigilant. Experts elucidate how one can achieve that.
Immunisation can prevent severity
Immunisation plays a key role in preventing the severity of an infection by making the body produce antibodies to fight the pathogen.
Dr Naganath Narasimhan Prem, geriatrician at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, highlights that the elderly, being more at risk of contracting infections, must take all the prescribed vaccinations. “This includes the annual influenza shot, Covid-19 vaccines and the respective booster shots,” he says. “If they are suffering from specific conditions like kidney or cardiovascular diseases, then they must ask their doctor.”
Similarly, parents must ensure that their newborn receives timely vaccination according to the immunisation chart of the government. “The child must take all the vaccines till they reach the age of five,” says Dr Kalale Nikhil Nagaraj, consultant, pediatrics and neonatology, Aster RV, Bengaluru. “Timely vaccination can reduce or prevent infections,” he says.
Elderly people must take vaccinations to prevent infections like pneumonia, shingles and influenza, and pregnant women must not ignore the tetanus vaccination.
Personal hygiene
One of the key steps to infection control is maintaining personal hygiene. Dr Subramanian Swaminathan, director of infectious diseases, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Bengaluru, underlines the importance of self-care. “Those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney diseases have a higher risk of contracting infections. Hence, they should follow steps for infection control,” he adds.
He also stresses practising Covid-19 sanitary measures that were used during the pandemic and the need to inculcate practices like handwashing, using sanitisers and masks. Dr Nagaraj emphasises that children must be taught how to maintain personal hygiene. “It is essential that they are taught to wash their hands after returning home from school or any playgroup, as these are spaces where infections can infest,” he adds. If they are ill, parents must ensure that they wear masks and maintain a safe distance.
Food and water safety
Infections manifest according to the weather conditions and we must take precautions accordingly. “During summer, when we experience the scorching heat, there will be a rise in the cases of heatstroke and rashes,” Dr Swaminathan says. “With monsoon season looming in, we must be careful of dengue infestations due to water logging.” He advises eating home-cooked meals and drinking boiled water as eating from outside spaces can be unsanitary during this period and can lead to gut-related infections. “If travelling, ensure you pack your meals and water, rather than eating from unfamiliar places.”
Clean surroundings
Experts advise keeping the home and surroundings clean. Dr Prem says that is it extremely critical in the case of the elderly who live alone. “It is important their caretaker thoroughly dusts the homes to avoid any respiratory infections and clean the floors with disinfectants regularly,” he adds.
The rule applies to children as well. “Ensure that toys are dusted and cleaned thoroughly,” says Dr Nagaraj.
Eating healthy and staying hydrated
Building immunity is extremely important for preventing infections. Hence, experts urge that a healthy diet must not be compromised.
When we contract infections, our body could also lose a lot of fluids through diarrhoea or vomiting. Hence, staying hydrated during this period is important.
Dr Nagaraj says that new moms should breastfeed their babies as it provides them with the essential nutrients needed to prevent infections. “Breast milk is found to have antibodies that can help control infection in babies. The probiotics present in breast milk can prevent gut-related infections.”
Use of antibiotics
Antibiotics help in infection control and cure; however, it is essential to complete the course advised by the doctor. “The elderly especially need to take caution as they might be on multiple medications. They must complete the course advised by the doctor, otherwise, it will not be effective enough,” says Dr Prem. “They must also be careful that they do not overuse antibiotics as it leads to lower immunity and other problems.”
