Are You Protecting Yourself from Infections?

As a skin care specialist, preventing infections are at the heart of what we do, whether it is laser hair removal, laser cosmetic procedures, laser skin tightening, etc.

So what are the possible routes of infection? These vary but the most common are: person to person, contact with infected animals, contact with fomites (inanimate objects that harbor bacteria or viruses), contact with vectors (animals that transmit diseases to a man or other animals), ingesting contaminated food or water, and inhalation of airborne agents.

What are the some methods for preventing the spread of infection?

Just like our grandmothers say, washing our hands can go a long way. The CDC recommends washing thoroughly and vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand-drying with a paper towel. In the absence of running water, an alcohol-based hand gel or wipe will suffice, although nothing beats good old soap and water. This takes about as long as it does to sing “Happy Birthday”, so some hospitals recommend washing your hands for the duration of this simple tune!

Other tactics to keep in mind are the following: don’t share personal items, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and DON’T pick your nose (or mouth or eyes), practice safe sex, check your animals routinely, use safe cooking practices, get vaccinated, stay on top of the news, and travel wisely.

Good Luck!