What is the most efficient way to reduce the spread of infection in the healthcare setting?
Infections are caused by microscopic organisms known as pathogens—bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that enter the body, multiply, and interfere with normal functions. Infectious diseases are a leading cause of illness and death in the United States and around the world. For certain people--particularly those with underlying illnesses like heart disease or cancer, those who have serious injuries, or those who are taking medications that weaken the immune system—it's more difficult to avoid getting sick with an infection. Living in an affluent country like the United States, the threat we face from deadly viruses, bacteria, and parasites can seem remote, but these infectious microbes are ever present among us, according to Dr. Michael Klompas, writing in the Harvard Medical School Special Health Report Viruses and Disease. Dr. Klompas is an infectious disease specialist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. However, for most healthy people, following a few basic principles can go a long way in helping to prevent infections. Show
Understanding how infections are transmitted can help you avoid getting sickNot long ago, no one understood that infectious diseases were caused by tiny organisms that moved from person to person. Even now, although we know that microscopic living microbes cause disease, how they do so is not always obvious. But we do know that most microbes enter through openings in the body—our noses, mouths, ears, anuses, and genital passages. They can also be transmitted through our skin through insect or animal bites. The best way to prevent infections is to block pathogens from entering the body. Good hygiene: the primary way to prevent infectionsThe first line of defense is to keep germs at bay by following good personal hygiene habits. Prevent infection before it begins and avoid spreading it to others with these easy measures.
Practice good food-safety techniques to avoid getting sickAlthough most cases of food-borne infection are not dangerous, some can lead to serious medical conditions, including kidney failure and meningitis. You can prevent infections by food-borne pathogens in your household by preparing and storing foods safely. The following precautions will help kill microbes that are present in the food you buy and help you avoid introducing new microbes into your food at home:
Whether you are young or young at heart, getting vaccinated is an essential part of staying healthy. Many serious infections can be prevented by immunization. While vaccines may cause some common side effects, such as a temporarily sore arm or low fever, they are generally safe and effective. Vaccinations are essential if you are to avoid getting sickConsult your health care provider regarding your immunization status. In general:
Take travel precautionsIf you are planning a trip, ask your doctor if you need any immunizations. Discuss your travel plans with your physician at least three months before you leave.
How to prevent infections by sexual transmissionThe only sure way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases is to not have sexual intercourse or other sexual contact. That's not an option for most people, so the next best choice is to follow these safer sex guidelines:
If you do have sex with a new partner, make sure the partner is tested, and take the following precautions:
Avoiding bug-borne pathogensBoth mosquitos and ticks are carriers of viruses and bacteria. And both have been associated with serious epidemics in the last decade. While it's true that most mosquitoes in northern climates don't transmit disease, some do. Within one decade, West Nile virus has spread throughout the United States and parts of Canada. Several other forms of mosquito-borne encephalitis are also carried by mosquitoes in North America. Tropical diseases pose a threat if the mosquitoes that carry them hitch a ride in boats or expand their range northward from Central America. Ticks are widespread and can transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease and many others. They live in grassy and brushy areas and are most prevalent during wet seasons. A common hiding place is in wet leaves. They often infest animals, including field mice and deer. And they may be transported into your home by your pets. The following can help prevent infections from bug bites:
Using animal-control to prevent infectionsControlling the population of mice or rats in and near your home can help you avoid pathogens spread by rodents and also help control the population of ticks that spread disease. Rodents can harbor a number of pathogens, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, leptospirosis, plague, and hantavirus. Other wild animals can also transmit rabies and other infections. The following measures can help you avoid getting sick from diseases transmitted by animals: What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of healthcare acquired infections?Proper use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns), aseptic technique, hand hygiene, and environmental infection control measures are primary methods to protect the patient from transmission of microorganisms from another patient and from the health care worker.
How can you reduce the spread of infection in the care setting?These basic IPC measures are:. hand hygiene.. respiratory and cough hygiene.. safe management of care equipment.. safe management of the environment.. management of laundry.. management of blood and body fluid spills.. waste management.. What is the most effective way of preventing infection?Good hygiene: the primary way to prevent infections. Wash your hands well. ... . Cover a cough. ... . Wash and bandage all cuts. ... . Do not pick at healing wounds or blemishes, or squeeze pimples.. Don't share dishes, glasses, or eating utensils.. Avoid direct contact with napkins, tissues, handkerchiefs, or similar items used by others.. What is the easiest and most effective way of preventing the spread of infection in hospital?Hand decontamination. Having clean hands is the most effective way of preventing infection from spreading.
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