An infection can begin in almost any part of your body, including your mouth, skin, lungs, urinary tract, rectum and reproductive tract. Most infections come from the bacteria normally found on the skin and in the intestines and reproductive tract that doesn't normally affect us when our immune systems are functioning fully.

While it's close to impossible to avoid all infections, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of getting one by taking care. For example:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Don't touch your face unless you've just washed your hands.
• Practice good dental hygiene.
• Take care in crowds.
• Avoid people with infectious diseases if possible. If you can't avoid them, take care.
• Take care with your skin. Avoid nicks and cuts.
• Clean your rectal area gently but thoroughly after each bowel movement.
• Take care when applying make-up.
• Take a warm (not hot) bath and shower or sponge bath every day.
• Take care when cleaning up after children and pets.
• Buy, use and store food correctly.
• Speak with your specialist about whether flu and other immunization shots are safe for you.

When your immune system is particularly low, postpone teeth cleaning and other dental work, as well as inoculations.

Keep a thermometer handy. It is advisable to call your doctor immediately, even if it is at night or on the weekend, if you have a temperature of 100.5 degrees Farenheit or over, or chills (with or without fever) or other symptoms of infection your doctor suggested you watch for.

For information about the above subjects, see the other sections of this document.

For the following specific situations, click on the link:

• Airplanes: How To Avoid Infection While Traveling By Airplane
• Food
  • Safe handling, storage and cooking
  • Safe purchase
  • How to eat out safely
• Gyms: How To Avoid Infection In The Gym
• Hospitals: How To Avoid Infection & Medical Error
• How To Avoid Infection From Food When Your Immune System Is Particuarly Weak

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