Final answer:
To reduce the risk of infection, engage in thorough hand washing, maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay home when sick, and avoid sharing personal items. Vaccinations and controlling exposure to disease vectors are also key preventive measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ways to reduce the risk of infection to yourself and others include adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing good hygiene. Frequent hand washing is crucial, especially after using the bathroom, handling raw meat, before eating, and when around sick people. Using soap and warm running water is the most effective method for removing pathogens from your hands.
To prevent infecting others, if you are sick, it's essential to stay home from school or work, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands often. Additionally, refrain from sharing personal items like toothbrushes, combs, and razors to reduce the transmission of infections. Avoid direct contact with someone's blood or bodily fluids, and use protection such as condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vaccinations, avoiding smoking, getting enough exercise, and staying informed about disease outbreaks are additional steps to take. For diseases transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, it's important to control exposure by removing sources of standing water, using insect repellents, and employing mosquito nets when necessary.