Importance Of Infection Control In The Home

Infection Control in the Home

If you have an infection or are taking care of someone who has an infection, it is important to know how to keep the infection from spreading. Follow these guidelines to help stop the spread of infection and talk to your health care provider.

HOW ARE INFECTIONS SPREAD?

In order for an infection to spread, the following must be present:

A germ. This may be a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite.

A place for the germ to live. This may be on a person, animal, plant, food, soil, water, or on surfaces, like a door handle.

A susceptible host. This is a person or animal who does not have resistance (immunity) to the germ.

A way for the germ to enter the host. This may occur by:

Direct contact. This may happen by making contact, such as shaking hands or

hugging, an infected person or animal. Some germs can also travel through the air and spread to you if an infected person coughs or sneezes on or near you.

Indirect contact.

This is when the germ enters the host through contact with an infected object, such as eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or touching a contaminated surface with your hands, and then touching your face, nose or mouth soon after.

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT INFECTION FROM SPREADING?

There are several things you can do to help prevent infection from spreading.

Hand washing

It is very important to wash your hands correctly:

Wet your hands with clean, running water.

Apply soap to your hands. Liquid soap is better than bar soap.

Rub your hands together quickly to create lather.

Keep rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly scrub all parts of your hands, including under you fingernails and between your fingers.

Rinse your hands with clean, running water until all the soap is gone.

Dry your hands using an air dryer or a clean paper or cloth towel, or let your hands air-dry. Do not use your clotihng or a soiled towel to dry your hands.

If you are in a public restroom, use your towel to turn off the water faucet and open the bathroom door.

Make sure to wash your

hands:

Before:

Visiting a baby or anyone with a weakened or lowered defense (immune) system.

Putting in or taking out any contact lenses.

After:

Working or playing outside.

Touching an animal or its toys or leash.

Handling livestock.

Using the bathroom or helping a child or adult use the bathroom.

Using household cleaners or toxic chemicals.

Touching or taking out the garbage.

Touching anything dirty around your home.

Handling soiled clothes or rags.

Taking care of a sick child. This includes touching used tissues, toys, and clothes.

Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

Using public transportation.

Shaking hands.

Using a phone, including your mobile phone.

Touching money.

Before and after:

Preparing food.

Preparing a bottle for a baby.

Feeding a baby or young child.

Eating.

Visiting or taking care of someone who is sick.

Changing a diaper.

Changing a bandage (dressing) or taking care of an injury or wound.

Giving or taking medicine.

Taking care of your home

Make sure you have enough cleaning supplies at all times. This includes:

Disinfectants.

Reusable cleaning cloths. Wash these after each use.

Paper towels.

Utility gloves. Replace your gloves if they are cracked, torn, or start to peel.

Use bleach safely. Never mix it with other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia. This mixture can create a dangerous gas that may be deadly.

Take care of your cleaning supplies. Toilet brushes, mops, and sponges can breed germs. Soak them in bleach and water for 5 minutes after each use.

Do not pour used mop water down the sink. Pour it down the toilet instead.

Maintain proper ventilation in your home.

If you have a pet, ensure that your pet stays clean. Do not let people with weak immune stems touch bird droppings, fish tank water, or a litter box.

If you have a cat, make sure the litter is changed daily.

In the bathroom, make sure you:

Provide liquid soap.

Change towels and washcloths frequently. Avoid sharing towels and washcloths.

Change toothbrushes often and store them separately in a clean, dry place.

Disinfect the toilet.

Clean the tub, shower, and sink with standard cleaning products.

Mop the floor with a standard cleaner.

Do not share personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, glasses, combs, brushes, towels, and washcloths.

In the kitchen, make sure you:

Store food carefully.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in covered containers.

Throw out stale or spoiled food.

Clean the inside of your refrigerator weekly.

Keep your refrigerator set at 40°F or less and freezer at 0°F or less.

Thaw foods in the refrigerator or microwave.

Serve foods at the proper temperature. Do not eat raw meat. Make sure it is cooked to the appropriate temperature. Cook eggs until they are firm.

Wash fruits and vegetables under running water.

Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

Keep work surfaces clean.

Use a clean spoon each time you sample food while cooking.

Wash your dishes in hot, soapy water. Air dry your dishes or use a dishwasher.

Do not share forks, cups, or spoons during meals.

Wear gloves if laundry is visibly soiled.

Change linens once a week or when soiled.

Do not shake soiled linens. This may send germs into the air. Place dressings, sanitary or incontinence pads, diapers, or gloves in plastic garbage bags for disposal.