In order to maintain good health, it is important to keep viruses and illnesses from spreading. This is especially important with viruses like COVID-19 and the Flu surging throughout communities. Germs can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It is important to practice good hygiene habits and infection control methods.
So, what is infection control? Infection control is the process of preventing the spread of illnesses. Infection control is important in all settings, including homes, businesses, and healthcare facilities. The goal of infection control is to protect the health of employees, customers, and the general public. There are many ways to control the spread of infectious germs, including handwashing, using personal protective equipment, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Let’s take a closer look at infection control methods.
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most important infection control measures. It is crucial for the prevention of the spread of disease and for protecting yourself and others from illness. There are many ways to clean your hands, but the most important thing is to use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
When washing your hands with soap and water, be sure to lather your hands for at least 20 seconds. This will help to remove any dirt, bacteria, or viruses that may be on your hands. If you are using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, be sure to rub it all over your hands and fingers until your hands are completely dry.
It is important to clean your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom, before and after eating, and after coming into contact with any potentially contaminated surfaces. If you are sick, it is also important to clean your hands more often to prevent the spread of illness. By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent the spread of infection and keep yourself and others healthy.
Personal Protection Equipment
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is a crucial part of infection control. PPE includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. It is important to use PPE when handling hazardous materials or when working in close proximity to others in order to protect yourself and others from infection.
When using PPE, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and care. PPE should be worn correctly to be effective. Gloves should be snug-fitting and free of holes or tears. Gowns should be buttoned or tied at the neck and waist, and masks should fit snugly over the nose and mouth.
PPE should be removed carefully, avoiding contact with the face or skin. Masks should be removed by the straps, and gloves should be pulled off from the wrist. PPE should be disposed of properly in a designated waste container. It’s also important to remember that hands should be washed thoroughly before and after putting on gloves and after removing PPE. PPE is a vital part of infection control.
Sanitization and Disinfection
Sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces and other items is one of the most important aspects of infection control. It is important to remember to clean and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with blood or other body fluids, as well as any surfaces that may have been contaminated with bacteria or other infectious agents. Additionally, you want to pay attention to all high-touch surfaces, such as door handles.
There are a number of different ways to sanitize and disinfect surfaces, and the best method to use will depend on the type of surface and the level of contamination. For example, surfaces that are heavily contaminated with blood or other body fluids may need to be disinfected with a bleach solution, while less contaminated surfaces can be sanitized with a less toxic disinfectant containing alcohol.
It is also important to remember that sanitizing and disinfecting are not the same thing. Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on a surface while disinfecting actually kills the germs. Therefore, it is important to use a sanitizer before disinfecting a surface to ensure that the disinfectant is effective.
Infection control is the practice of preventing the spread of infections. This can be done by taking precautions such as washing your hands, using gloves, and wearing a face mask. Infection control is important in healthcare settings and other facilities where there are groups of people who might be more susceptible to infection. Infection control is also important in other settings to help prevent the spread of illnesses.
