Follow these tips to help lower your risk of infections:

??Do practice good hygiene. Wash your hands before handling food, after using the bathroom and after handling pets. Wash your hands often when you have a cold.

??Don’t share eating or drinking utensils.

??Do cook foods thoroughly — to kill bacteria.

??Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat or poultry, raw seafood or raw eggs.

??Don’t drink or cook with unpasteurized milk.

??Don’t drink water that’s likely contaminated.

  ??Don’t put your fingers in your mouth or eyes - doing so may transmit germs.

??Do avoid contact with ticks and rodents and other disease carriers.

??Do keep up to date with vaccinations. They can protect you from life-threatening infectious diseases.

??Do recognize signs of generalized infections. Signs and symptoms include, for example, fever, sweats and chills. For skin infections, look for redness and warmth.

??Don’t delay contacting your doctor if you’re sick. Many serious infections are treatable in the early stages.

??Don’t expect an antibiotic use each time you’re sick. Antibiotics don’t help with  common viral infections, and over use encourages the growth of drug-resistant microorganisms.

Dr. Tasaduk Hussain Itoo

Kashmir-based physician/Educator/columnist/ Founder JKIFTS