FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. 16, 2016) -- To raise awareness about the importance of infection prevention, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology is highlighting ways to reduce infections with this year's theme, Breaking the Chain of Infection.
"Breaking" illustrates ways in which the public and health care professionals can interrupt the chain of infection in health care settings.
Health care-associated infections are linked to an estimated 75,000 deaths and lead to approximately $33 billion in excess medical costs in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, it is important to understand how we can do our part to break the chain.
People first need to understand how germs spread. The following things are needed.
• Infectious agents. These include germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
A reservoir. This is where these agents live such as dirty surfaces, equipment, people, water, animals, insects and soil.
A portal of exit. How did the germ leave its location? This can include open wounds, skin, splatter of body fluids and aerosols -- sneezing and coughing.
A mode of transmission. An infectious agent travels through direct or indirect contact with another infectious agent. This can include hands, ingestion or inhalation of the infectious agent.
A portal of entry. The agent enters the body through broken skin, respiratory track, mucous membranes and medical devices such as catheters and tubes.
Finally, there is a susceptible host. This can be any person -- especially those receiving health care and/or those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc.
How can germs be prevented from spreading? Breaking this chain of infection includes many things.
For infectious agent and reservoir cleaning, it's important to disinfect surfaces especially medical equipment in health care is important.
For portal of entry and exit, cover your cough and apply band-aids or dressings over open wounds.
Good handwashing is the number one way to break the chain of infection. First, scrub hands with soap and water to remove the dirt germs and debris. Then, rinse them under running water. Turn off the faucet with a paper towel and open the bathroom or other door with the towel and discard. Alcohol sanitizer is a good way to wash hands as well. The alcohol content kills the bacteria on your hands.
To prevent from being a susceptible host, have your provider diagnose and treat infections with the correct antibiotic and take recommended immunizations such as the seasonal flu vaccine. If diabetic, keep blood sugar within normal ranges and take care of any chronic illnesses. Eat healthy and get plenty of rest.
The flu season is approaching and Kenner stresses for community members to follow the habits described in this article.
For more information on infection prevention, call the Kenner Army Health Clinic Patient Safety and Infection Control office at (804) 734-9028.
Social Sharing