A cough and a sneeze, a handshake, a mosquito bite, or raw meat on a cutting board, can all become potential risks to our health and well-being. These everyday occurrences can spread disease-causing germs from one person to another. Germs are all around us in the air, water, on food, surfaces we touch, and within our own bodies. While many germs are helpful or harmless, some can cause infections such as the common cold, the flu, food poisoning, West Nile Virus,or Hepatitis B.

In Canada, many infectious diseases have been drastically reduced or controlled.Although most of us have never encountered diseases such as small pox, typhoid, or measles, in the early 1900’s they were the leading cause of death worldwide. Today, infectious diseases account for less than 5% of all deaths in Canada. This is due in part to standardized immunization programs, advances in antibiotics and other medical treatments, better sanitation, nutrition, hygiene,and overall improved living conditions.

While it’s true that we have been able to reduce or control many infectious diseases, the potential risk is always there. In 2003, the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak was a good reminder of this fact, as well as the current potential pandemic with the avian (bird) flu. Travelling to other countries where vaccine preventable diseases are still widespread is another risk. An infectious disease could be passed on to others upon returning to Canada if a person was not immunized before visiting the region. However, we do not need to travel to another county to encounter viruses, as the common cold and chicken pox are around us daily. Many of these are seemingly mild illnesses but can become life-threatening to a person who has an underdeveloped or weakened immune system.

To reduce the risk of infections in our homes, workplaces, and communities, we all need to take steps to minimize their spread. These include: handwashing with soap and water, sneezing and coughing into our sleeve, routine cleaning and disinfecting of household and workplace surfaces, taking food safety precautions, and keeping our vaccinations up to date.

Practicing healthy habits such as being physically active, eating a balanced diet, not abusing alcohol or other drugs, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress can all go a long way in boosting our immune system and protecting us against infections. Read on to learn how to practice better Infection Protection for yourself and your family.

Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion. (2001). The value of immunization in the future of Canada’s health system. Retrieved July 20, 2006, from http://www.immunize.cpha.ca/english/consumer/consrese/pdf/Immun_e.pdf

MayoClinic.com (2005). From bacteria to parasites: Understanding the germs that cause infection. Retrieved July
20, 2006, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/germs/ID00002