How to protect yourself from infection

The promotion of personal hygiene practices such as regular hand washing amongst Nigerians is necessary to protect them from infection, a clinical microbiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Racheal Oladele has said. She said other practices such as cough etiquette, vaccinations, infection control and prevention programs, all play critical roles in reaching […]

The promotion of personal hygiene practices such as regular hand washing amongst Nigerians is necessary to protect them from infection, a clinical microbiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Racheal Oladele has said.
She said other practices such as cough etiquette, vaccinations, infection control and prevention programs, all play critical roles in reaching the goal of an infection free society.
Speaking on the topic ‘Breaking the Chain of Infection’, during the  56th Nigeria Medical Association  annual conference in Abuja recently, which was co-sponsored by Dettol from the stables of Reckitt Benckiser, she said that regular disinfection of topical and environmental surfaces with antiseptics and disinfectants is an effective approach, and also to clean and decontaminate all equipment after use.
She urged  the government and other stakeholders to enlighten the nation on ways to prevent transmission of germs and diseases in order to accord the concept of hygiene its deserved place.
Poor hygiene conditions gives room for infections which results in sickness and diseases leading to valuable loss of productive time and other resources.
She said infections are easily transmitted through contact with infected persons or surfaces, and if not properly checked can lead to disease outbreak.