infection control

Did You Know?

* Every time you cough, you send germs into the air at speeds faster than 100 mph!
* Almost all colds and upper respiratory infections (more than 90%) are caused by viruses--not bacteria.
* Poor nutrition and poor general health lower your resistence to infection.

What is infection control?

Infection control is doing everything possible to prevent the spread of infection among patients, health care workers, and visitors.

Why is infection control important?

In a hospital, patients are cared for by many health care workers in very close quarters. Frequent contact is made between people who have an infection or can spread one, and people who can become easily infected. Also, some types of procedures can increase a patient's risk of infection. Preventing infections is important to help patients recover quickly and stay as healthy as possible.

What kinds of infections occur in hospitals?

The most common types include:
* Urinary tract infections
* Wound infections after surgery
* Blood infections
* Respiratory infections


Who can get an infection?

Anyone can get an infection, but some people are at special risk because their immune systems are weak. Others are at risk because they had have a procedure that, while saving their life, may have increased their risk of infection. In a hospital, it is especially important to prevent infections in these groups:
* Patients
* Visitors
* Hospital Staff


Who is at higher risk for infection?

* Newborn babies
* Older adults
* People with diabetes
* Surgery patients
* People taking medications, like antibiotics, and transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs
* People with tubes for fluids or medications, for example: urinary catheters and IVs
* People with poor general health
* People being treated for cancer
* Patients hospitalized for a long time
* Very ill patients, such as those in ICUs


What are some examples of ways infections are spread?

* By direct contact, such as touching a patient with unwashed hands.
* By indirect contact, such as when a person has contact with something that is contaminated (dirty).
* By being carried through the air, such as when people sneeze or cough.


How can you keep from getting an infection or spreading one to someone else?

Cleanliness is the key to infection control. The best way to prevent the spread of infection is through good hand-washing or hand hygiene with alcohol hand sanitizers.


How should you wash your hands?

Wash your hands by rubbing them together for 10 to 15 seconds, using soap and lots of water or use the alcohol hand sanitizers if you can't get to a sink.


When should you wash your hands?

* Before and after giving patient care or having contact with a patient.
* After using the tiolet, blowing your nose, or sneezing.
* After handling contaminated (dirty) items.
* Before and after eating, drinking, or handling food.
* When your hands look dirty.
* Everyone should wash his or her hands before and after entering a patient's room.


What other ways can you help prevent infections:

Always use good personal hygiene.
Don't share patient-care items, such as creams, glassware, or towels.
Take an active part in your care.
If you have an illness that is contagious to others, don't visit the hospital while you are infectious.
If you have questions about certain situations, ask a doctor or nurse.
Be aware of infection possibilities and eary signs of infections (redness, swelling, fever).


Other things to know:

Most patients can receive live plants. Those who cannot include patients in intensive care units, and those receiving drugs that suppress their immune system. But these patients can receive silk flowers and balloons. To keep germs from growing, foods must be refrigerated as needed. Food left unrefrigerated or in the open may attract flies and grow bacteria leading to foodborne illness.

Thank you for helping us prevent infections by:

Knowing infection control procedures and rules.
Cooperating with the hospital staff at all times.
Taking an active role in your own or your patient's care.