Basic Infection Prevention

What is Infection Prevention?

Infection prevention is a field of medical study dealing with preventing the transmission of infectious pathogens.

Not all bacteria are bad, many are beneficial and peacefully co-exist with us.

Pathogens are living organisms that cause disease and depend on a host to sustain their life span.

If we can dilute the numbers of infectious pathogens in our environment, we can reduce our risk of infection. 

We can reduce the number of pathogens we come in contact with by practicing good hygiene, washing our hands frequently, maintaining healthy life styles and protecting ourselves with physician prescribed vaccines.   

We don't need to stop enjoying life, but we need to be aware and take care.

 

Handwashing: The First Step is Dilution

 

 

Washing hands frequently dilutes bacteria   

Carry alcohol sanitizers in case facilities are not available 

The CDC recommends it 

http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands

 

 

What Can You Do To Keep Your Family Safe from Infection?

Wash their hands frequently

Practice good oral hygiene

Ask your physician about vaccinations

Eat healthy foods

Get enough sleep

Stay home when you are sick

Do not take antibiotics not prescribed for you

www.cdc.gov/healthyliving 

Why Vaccinate?

It is always preferrable to prevent disease rather than to treat it.

Vaccines have prevented the transmission of dangerous,

often deadly diseases by preventing them from ever occurring.

Vaccines control many once common infectious and childhood diseases

such as:  

Anthrax, Cervical Cancer, Chickenpox, Diptheria, Hepatitis,

Influenza, Measels, Mumps, Smallpox, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever,

Whooping Cough, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Shingles, Lyme’s Disease

and much more.  

Visit the CDC website for more information on recommended childhood

and adult vaccines.  

www.cdc.gov/vaccines 

 

How To Tell When You Need Antibiotics

Antibiotics don't work on viruses

Your physician knows which antibiotics work best for infection

Take only prescribed antibiotics

Don't take left over antibiotics

Don't take a prescription meant for someone else

Here are links to the CDC

www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/know-and-do 

www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community

 

Foodborne Illness

 

 

Foodborne Illnesses are caused by

improper handling, storage and prepartion

of food. Good hand hygiene by food handlers

is essential in preventing contamination of food. 

Visit The United States Department of Agriculture 

website for articles regarding safe food preparation

and handling(USDA.

www.fsis.usda.gov/Help/FAQs

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC, 2009).

Retrieved from www.cdc.gov

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2009).

 

Retrieved from www.fsis.usda.gov/Help/FAQs_Hotline_Preparation

 

    Zone Manager

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    Glory Lennon
    Posted on: Oct 12, 09 at 03:46 PM
    This is a fabulous zone C.Lyn! Very helpful and informative. I'll help spread the word (not the bug!) about it.
    Ann Marie Dwyer
    Posted on: Apr 03, 09 at 08:25 PM
    Great information!
    Carolina Dream Coy
    Posted on: Apr 03, 09 at 04:08 PM
    Great Zone!

    Is it a Cold or the Flu?

    How can you tell if you have a cold or the flu?

    Symptoms of flu may include:

    headache, chills, fever, cough

    body aches, feelings of fatigue

    Symptoms of colds are usually less intense and include:

    sore throat, stuffy nose, congestion and perhaps a slight cough

    See your health care provider to be sure

     

     

    What We Can't See Can Hurt Us

    Wash your hands

    After touching surfaces in high traffic areas

    Before eating

    Before preparing food

    Before applying makeup

    Before changing contacts

    After using the restroom

    Cover your cough

    Don't use your hands,

    use your sleeve

    Cover your sneeze

    Don’t use your hands,

    Use a tissue 

     

    Don't Surrender to Infection: Fight Back with Prevention

    Antibiotic Resistance

     

    Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time

    Some are even able to mutate

    The result; lack of sensitivity to many drugs

    Prevent resistance; take antibiotics only as directed

    Do not take medications not prescribed for you   

    How to Protect Yourself from the H1N1 Novel Influenza Virus

    Step 1

    Don't panic. Take ordinary precautions just as you do for the seasonal flu

     

     

    Hand Hygiene

    Step 2

    Remember, Hand Washing is the most important step in preventing transmission of pathogens

     

     

    Hand Sanitizers

    Step 3

    Avoid crowds and use alcohol sanitizers when hand washing facilities are not available

    Healthy Living

    Step 4

    Live a balanced, healthy life. Get enough sleep, remember to stay hydrated. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your diet 

    Cover your Cough

    Step 5

    Coughing and sneezing propels bacteria and viruses about three feet. Cover your cough, don't use your hands, use a tissue and don't go to work or school if you are sick

    If Flu Symptoms Occur, Call Your Physician

    Step 6

    If you think you have signs or symptoms of the flu, see your physician early when treatment options will be most effective 
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