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Wash your hands often throughout the day. Be sure to wash before eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching animals. Wash with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. Scrub your hands well. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, your fingernails, and between your fingers. If you don't have soap and water, use antibacterial hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol.
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Clean your rectal area gently but thoroughly after each bowel movement. Talk with your healthcare provider if the area becomes irritated or bleeds due to hemorrhoids or ulcers.
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Stay away from people who are sick with contagious illnesses. That includes those with a cold, the flu, measles, or chickenpox.
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Stay away from crowds.
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If you have to be around a crowd, it's a good idea to wear a mask.
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Stay away from children who have recently been given "live virus" vaccines, such as chickenpox. They may be contagious to people with a low blood cell count. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is also a live virus. While it is not currently used in the U.S., it is still used in other countries. Because of that, if you travel internationally, you should also stay away from children who have recently been given oral polio vaccine.
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Try to prevent accidents and injuries. Be careful not to cut yourself in any way, including the cuticles of your nails. Don't get manicures or pedicures at a salon. Consider using an electric shaver instead of a razor to prevent cutting yourself while shaving.
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Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet. Don't wade in ponds, lakes, or rivers.
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Clean cuts and scrapes right away with warm, soapy water and an antiseptic. Cover the area with a clean bandage.
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To protect your mouth and gums, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Ask your healthcare provider if it's OK to floss.
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Don't squeeze or scratch pimples.
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Take a warm (not hot) bath, shower, or sponge bath every day. Pat your skin dry; don't rub it.
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Use lotion if your skin becomes dry.
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Don't use tampons or vaginal suppositories.
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Stay away from animal litter boxes and waste. Also avoid bird cages and fish and turtle tanks.
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Stay away from standing water, such as in bird baths, flower vases, or humidifiers.
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Wear gloves when gardening or cleaning up after others, especially small children. Wash your hands when you're finished.
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Talk with your healthcare provider before getting any type of immunization or shot, such as flu or pneumonia shots.
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Don't eat raw fish, seafood, meat, or eggs. Cook food properly. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask your healthcare provider if you should follow any other dietary restrictions.
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Don't share plates, cups, utensils, food, towels, or makeup.