Infectious diseases
Hygiene is key for preventing infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi. The most common infectious diseases are various respiratory infections, such as the flu. There are many causes of gastrointestinal infection, most notably norovirus and campylobacter.
An epidemic is a disease that affects a large part of the population of a region.
A pandemic means an epidemic that affects several continents.
Around the world, pandemics have been caused by diseases such as the coronavirus, swine flu and the influenza known as Spanish flu, which spread throughout the world during World War I and killed tens of millions.
We can all do our part to prevent infectious diseases:
- always take care of hygiene
- take the necessary vaccine shots on time
- check the infectious disease situation before travelling
- keep hand sanitizer and face masks in stock at home
- remember to take your prescription drugs and medication taken for symptoms
- make sure your pet has the necessary passport and vaccinations
Always wash your hands
- when coming in from the outside
- before cooking and eating
- after visiting the toilet or changing diapers
- after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- when you have touched the same surfaces as a person with a cold
Remember to use soap. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have just washed your hands. Hand hygiene is also the most important way to prevent stomach diseases and traveller’s diarrhea.
Watch the video on hand hygiene
How to cough correctly
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
- If you don’t have a handkerchief, cough or sneeze into the top of your sleeve, not your hands.
- Put the used handkerchief in the trash immediately.
- A paper mouth and nose cover protects others from infection if you are coughing and sneezing.
Watch the video on how to cough correctly
