What are Standard Precautions?

Controlling the spread of infections in a health care setting is extremely important, for many sick people are treated and care for in confined spaces. This means there are many microorganisms present. Patients will come in contact with members of the staff who can potentially spread the microorganisms and infections between patients.

How Infections are spread

Before you can prevent an infection, it is important to understand how they are spread.
Infections are caused by bacteria, viruses and other microscopic organisms. These germs can be found in the environment (water, soil & air).

Types of Pathogens

Microbes that cause disease are called pathogens. They are prone to infect body tissues, where they reproduce and cause damage thus resulting to the symptoms of infection.

How to Prevent the Infection: Breaking the Cycle

Studies have shown that breaking the transmission phase of the cycle is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.
The best way to break the transmission phase is thorough and frequent hand washing, good personal hygiene and regular cleaning and disinfection.

The Chain of Infection

The chain of infection is a way of gathering the information needed to interrupt or prevent an epidemic. Each of the links in the chain must be favorable to the organism for the epidemic to continue.

Proper Hand Hygiene

Hands are one of the most common ways in which infection can be spread. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent from getting sick and/or preventing the spread of infection.

The Truth about Microorganisms

Each and every day we are exposed to very tiny organisms living in our environment that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Just like people, these organisms come in different sizes and shapes, can't always agree on the best room temperature, and some are helpful while others are not.