Ever wonder how to actually avoid getting sick? We sat down with Dr. Tom Warren, an infectious disease specialist, to get the inside scoop on how to minimize your chances of catching an infection. It turns out, some of the best strategies are surprisingly simple and have been around for ages. (Based on the insights of Dr. Paul Zalzal and Dr. Brad Weening.)
3. The Power of Clean Hands
When it comes to preventing infections, Dr. Warren’s number one tip is something we’ve known about for thousands of years: washing your hands. It sounds basic, but it really works. So, what’s the best way to do it?
- Soap and Water vs. Hand Sanitizer: If your hands are visibly dirty, soap and water are your best bet. For everyday use when your hands aren’t visibly soiled, an alcohol-based hand rub is usually good enough. You don’t need special antibacterial soap; regular soap is fine. The key is the act of washing itself, with water playing the main role in removing germs.
- When to Wash: Make it a habit to wash your hands before eating or preparing food. If you’ve been doing something messy like yard work, wash up when you come inside. For kids, especially younger boys who might rush the process, make sure their hands get properly wet and they use soap, drying them afterward.
2. Rethinking Sharing Food
Here’s a tip that might surprise you: Dr. Warren avoids sharing food with his family members, even just a taste from his ice cream. The reason? To prevent the spread of germs through saliva.
- The “New Spoon” Rule: If a family member asks to try your food, and they promise to use a clean spoon and not dip it back into your serving, that’s generally okay. However, the “no double-dipping” rule is pretty important. Think about it: if someone dips a chip, takes a bite, and then dips it again, that’s a direct way for germs to spread.
- Why It Matters: Sharing utensils or food directly from someone else’s plate or container can transfer saliva and the germs it might carry. While it might seem a bit strict, especially with kids, it’s a practical way to cut down on potential infections within the household.
1. The Role of Vitamin D
Our third key strategy involves a vitamin many of us might not be getting enough of: Vitamin D. Especially for those of us in the northern hemisphere, our skin doesn’t produce enough Vitamin D from sunlight, particularly during winter months.
- Supplementation: Dr. Warren takes 3,000 IU of Vitamin D daily, and many experts suggest that most people, especially those in places like Canada, should consider taking a Vitamin D supplement for most of the year. While summer sun exposure can help, it’s often not enough to maintain optimal levels year-round.
- Getting Enough: If you spend most of your time indoors, you’re likely not getting sufficient Vitamin D from the sun. Taking a supplement is a straightforward way to support your immune system. While there’s been talk about Vitamin D with K2, the evidence for K2’s added benefits isn’t as strong as some might claim, but it’s generally considered safe to consider.
Other Important Habits
Beyond these top three, a few other practices can help keep infections at bay:
- Handling Raw Food: When dealing with raw meat or chicken in the kitchen, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them, especially before touching other surfaces or food.
- Common Sense: Ultimately, many infection prevention strategies come down to common sense. Protecting yourself also helps protect those around you, especially when living in close quarters like at home or in dorms.
By incorporating these simple habits – washing hands diligently, being mindful about sharing food, and ensuring you get enough Vitamin D – you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick and help keep your loved ones healthy too. Remember, you have a lot of control over your own health and how well you stay protected from infections.
Source: Dr. Paul Zalzal and Dr. Brad Weening