Prevention is the key to fighting many infectious diseases. Part of preventing the spread of an infectious disease includes:

• proper hand washing techniques
• taking certain precautions, depending on the disease
• following the nationally recommended immunization schedule for children and adults
• taking medications correctly

Even with proper prevention, sometimes a disease is unavoidable. Some reasons may include the following:

• evolution of drug-resistant strains of a disease
• changes in a person's environment
• increased travel
• inappropriate use of prescription drugs
• lack of attention to proper personal hygiene

For more in-depth information visit the following links:

• All About the Immune System
• Fevers
• Types of Infectious Diseases
• Prevention of Infectious Disease
• Glossary

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