Infection Control

Maintaining personal hygiene is vital in the development and control of the spread of infection. Common infections that can be developed and spread in the domestic setting include E Coli Salmonella, fungal infections and every day cough and cold bugs.

Development of Infection

The singular most important action that will reduce the development of infection is regular hand-washing.

The hands and nails are a hotbed of bacterial activity and germs can be picked up from a vast variety of sources such as door handles, computer keyboards and the telephone. These germs can be spread to areas of the body that are particularly vulnerable such as to wounds, the mouth or the groin area; all can cause an infection.

Alternatively, if you are aware of your disorder, you have a moral obligation to protect others from developing the condition.

Prevention of Infection

By taking some precautionary measures, many common ailments can be avoided such as athlete’s foot (a fungal infection), gum disease and infected wounds.

Cleanliness and common sense are often all that is needed to prevent serious illness from occurring.

Coughs and Colds

Using single use items such as tissues, especially those that are impregnated with anti-bacterial substances are the best option for preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Safe disposal is equally important and items should be placed in the bin or flushed away as directed. Hands should be washed after every sneeze cough or nose-blow to prevent the germs from being transmitted elsewhere.

Food Preparation

The kitchen is a breeding ground for bacteria and strict kitchen hygiene is required at all times. Surfaces should be washed using a suitable agent and workers hands washed and dried after using the toilet, smoking, eating, between touching different food types, after touching the hair and face and after emptying the bins.

Wound Care

Wounds should be cleaned and dressed suitably after hands have been properly washed and dried. Hands should be washed after managing a wound and all equipment and dressings disposed of appropriately and safely ensuring no blood or tissue has been overlooked. If you are unsure seek medical advice.

Common Ailments

Common aliments should be dealt with straight away and caution should be paid to the use of reusable or normally shared towels and flannels, and if there is any doubt, treat anyone whom has been in contact with the infected person. Hair brushes and tooth brushes should not be shared as infections are very easily transmitted this way.

Infants

Babies are at particular risk of developing infections due to their delicate anatomy and levels of immunity. Care should be taken to correctly sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment and anyone with a known infection should not be permitted any contact with a newborn.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

Anyone whom is suffering with prolonged diarrhoea or sickness should be assessed by a medical professional as the reasons for the illness may need investigating. These conditions can be caused by many things, sometimes a one off bacterial problem; other times the result of food poisoning, the source of which will need locating and investigating.

Infection control is highly dependent on the principles of personal hygiene, and by keeping clean and tidy; many illnesses can be contained or even prevented.

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