preventing infection

Overview

Preventing infection means taking simple, everyday actions to stop germs — like bacteria, viruses, and fungi — from entering your body and making you ill. It includes things like washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, keeping your vaccines up to date, and caring for wounds properly. These measures protect you and also help stop germs from spreading to others.

Infections are common, but the steps to prevent them are straightforward and can be taken at any age or stage of life.

Everyone can benefit from infection prevention. It is especially important for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a long-term health condition or weakened immune system.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Sore throat or cough
• Feeling unusually tired
• Body aches or headache
• Runny nose or congestion
• Diarrhoea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Fever — especially in a baby under 3 months
• Feeding less than usual
• Unusual drowsiness or irritability
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Seizures associated with fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or feeling more confused than usual
• Falls or dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy or unusual sleepiness
• Increased breathlessness
• Fever – though older adults may not always develop a high temperature

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria — single-celled germs that can cause illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and food poisoning
• Viruses — tiny germs that cause colds, flu, COVID-19, and many other illnesses
• Fungi — such as those that cause thrush, ringworm, or lung infections
• Parasites — germs that live on or inside the body, such as those that cause malaria or giardiasis

Risk factors

• Having a weakened immune system, for example from a health condition or certain treatments
• Being in hospital or a care home
• Frequent close contact with others in enclosed spaces, such as schools or crowded workplaces
• Not being up to date with routine vaccinations
• Poor hand hygiene or food hygiene
• Open wounds, cuts, or surgery sites
• Travelling to areas where certain infections are more common

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a high fever that does not come down with self-care advice
• If you are severely dehydrated or unable to keep fluids down
• If you have difficulty breathing that is getting worse
• If you have a stiff neck with a fever and headache
• If you have a wound that becomes red, hot, swollen, or weeps fluid
• If you develop a rash that is spreading or does not fade under a glass

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a mild fever or cold that lasts longer than a week
• If you feel run down or have generally felt unwell for a while
• If you are due for routine vaccinations or boosters
• If you are planning to travel and want advice about vaccines or malaria prevention
• If you are worried about repeated infections

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how you have been feeling, and any recent contact with sick people, travel, or injuries. They may examine you and look for signs of infection such as fever, swelling, or changes to breathing.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests — to look for signs of infection and how your immune system is responding
• Swabs — usually from the nose, throat, or a wound, to check for viruses or bacteria
• Urine tests — to diagnose bladder or kidney infections
• Imaging, such as a chest X-ray, if your lungs may be affected
• Stool tests — if you have a gut infection with vomiting or diarrhoea

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are quick and painless. Results may take a few minutes or a few days, depending on the test. Your provider will explain what the results mean and recommend any steps you might need to take.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection. For many mild viral infections, the body recovers on its own with rest and fluids. Bacterial infections may need a course of antibiotics, which should be taken exactly as prescribed and never shared. Your healthcare provider will advise the best approach for your situation.

Self-care at home

• Rest and sleep to help your immune system do its job
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Take steps to lower fever, such as remaining cool and using a fan, if a provider advises
• Use a pain reliever that is appropriate for you — always check with a pharmacist or provider first
• Wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes to protect others
• Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can slow recovery

Medical treatments

If a bacterial infection has been confirmed, a healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic. Antiviral medicines may be used for certain viral infections like the flu or COVID-19 when a patient is at high risk. Fungal infections may be treated with antifungal products. Your provider will choose a treatment appropriate for you. Never take medicines prescribed for someone else, and always finish the full course as directed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed to treat or prevent an infection. In some cases, it may be used to remove infected tissue, drain an abscess, or clean a deep wound that is not healing.

Living with this condition

Living well with infection prevention as part of your routine means building simple habits into everyday life. Keep hand gel or soap and water nearby. Keep your vaccinations up to date. And if you feel unwell, stay home until the contagious period has passed — usually while you have symptoms.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after being in public spaces
• Keep kitchen surfaces clean and wash raw fruit and vegetables
• Use tissues for coughs and sneezes, then throw them away immediately
• Stay home when you have a cold, flu, or stomach bug
• Keep open cuts clean and covered with a dressing
• Learn reliable ways to manage stress, as it can affect how well your immune system works

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports your immune system. Regular moderate exercise — like brisk walking — can also help your body fight off certain infections. Stay hydrated throughout the day. There is no single 'immune-boosting' food or supplement, but overall a healthy routine makes a difference.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Concerns about catching infections or passing them to others can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, especially during or after an outbreak. Talk about your worries with someone you trust, and recognise that taking practical steps helps reduce risk. If feelings of anxiety affect your daily life, consider speaking with a counsellor or your GP.

Prevention

Yes. Many infections can be prevented with simple steps. Hand hygiene, vaccination, food safety, and staying away from others when unwell are among the most effective measures. It is not possible to prevent every infection, but these actions greatly lower your risk — and the risk of spreading germs to others.

Vaccines

Vaccines prepare your immune system to defend against specific infections. In many countries, vaccinations are offered in childhood and again in adulthood. Check with your local health service about which vaccines are recommended for your age, health condition, travel plans, or occupation. Vaccines are a major reason many serious infections have become rare.

Screening programmes

Screening tests look for early signs of disease before symptoms appear. They are not the same as preventing infection, but they can detect infections early — for example, hepatitis or certain sexually transmitted infections — so that treatment can begin sooner and the infection is less likely to spread. Ask your provider what, if anything, you might need based on your age, sex, or risk factors.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infections that are not treated can spread to other parts of the body, such as the blood, lungs, or brain
• A simple wound infection can turn into a deep skin infection or, rarely, a life-threatening condition called sepsis
• Some infections can cause long-term organ damage if not treated early
• A lung infection like pneumonia can make it harder to breathe, especially for older adults
• A gut infection that causes severe vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous

Long-term outlook

With the right care and good prevention habits, most infections are completely treatable or avoidable. Even serious infections can often be cured or managed when caught early. You can take positive and effective steps today to protect your health and the health of those around you.

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