How to Prevent Transmittable Diseases
It is very common for transmittable diseases, such as scabies, to spread quickly in universities. This is because people live in close proximity to one another, and within sports settings they may share equipment or spend time close together in changing rooms.
The main thing is not to feel ashamed - these things happen. Many conditions are highly transmissible, and outbreaks are not unusual in university environments. If it happens to you, visit your local pharmacy, where a healthcare professional will be able to assess your symptoms. They may provide treatment directly or refer you to your doctor if needed.
Below are some tips to prevent or reduce the transmission of transmittable diseases:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom or after coughing or sneezing.
- Keep up to date with your vaccines. You can find information about available vaccinations and what you may be eligible for.
- Early detection. Each disease presents differently, but look out for symptoms such as rashes, fever, or fatigue. The earlier a condition is detected, the greater the chance of preventing further transmission.
- Avoid sharing equipment/ clothing where possible. This is not always feasible, but when you can, try not to share personal items or sports equipment. If sharing is unavoidable, ensure items/ clothed are cleaned regularly with a hot wash
- Hot washes for contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated clothes at temperatures above 50°C. It isn’t always possible to know that something is contaminated, so try and include a hot wash every so often, just in case. For items that cannot be washed, follow disease-specific guidance. For example, in the case of scabies, place items in a sealed plastic bag for 72 hours, as the mites die when not in contact with skin.