Prevention goes beyond hand washing

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(HealthDay News) -- Washing hands is generally considered a prime way to keep from getting sick and spreading illness.

But experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest other key ways for individuals to help stop the spread of infectious diseases:

Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water rids kitchen and bath surfaces of dirt and most germs. But for extra protection from infectious germs, which can sometimes live on surfaces for days, use a disinfectant that contains ingredients that actually kill bacteria and other germs.
Handle and prepare food safely. Wash cutting boards, utensils and counter tops with hot, soapy water before and after each step of food preparation. Rinse all fruits and vegetables under running water. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from each other and all other foods, both in storage and during preparation.
Cook foods to proper temperature. Food needs to be cooked long enough and at a high-enough temperature to kill bacteria. But the safe minimum internal temperatures vary from food to food: 145 degrees Fahrenheit for beef steaks and roasts and pork; 160 degrees for hamburger, egg dishes and fish; and 165 degrees for most poultry.
Refrigerate foods promptly. Cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria. Keep refrigerators at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and freezers at 0 degrees or below.
Get immunized. Youngsters should get their first immunizations before they're 2 months old, with boosters several more times before they turn 2 years old. Tetanus and diphtheria shots are recommended for adults every 10 years and a flu shot every year.
Use antibiotics appropriately. They can treat certain bacterial infections, but they don't work against viruses (which is what causes colds and the flu). Overuse of antibiotics can make bacteria resistant to treatment.
Be careful with pets. Dogs, cats and other pets can pass illnesses on to people. Children younger than 5 are especially vulnerable. Keep litter boxes clean, keep children's sandboxes covered, and make sure kids' hands are carefully washed after contact with animals.
Avoid contact with wild animals. Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes can transmit rabies, deer carry ticks that can cause Lyme disease, and mice and other wild animals can carry hantavirus and other deadly diseases. Discourage their presence by keeping trash cans securely covered, plugging any openings into the house and removing brush and debris that could provide nesting sites.