[Artigo] Infection Prevention in the Home
Infection Prevention in Home
If you have an infection, may have been exposed to 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 your health care provider’s instructions and use these guidelines to help stop the spread of infection.
How infections are 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:
o On or in a person, animal, plant, or food.
o In soil or water.
o On surfaces, such as a door handle. - A person or animal who can develop a disease if the germ enters the body (host). The host does not have resistance to the germ.
- A way for the germ to enter the host. This may occur by:
o Direct contact with an infected person or animal. This can happen through shaking hands or hugging. Some germs can also travel through the air and spread to others. This can happen when an infected person coughs or sneezes on or near other people.
o Indirect contact. This occurs when the germ enters the host through contact with an infected object. Examples include:
– Eating or drinking food or water that has the germ (is contaminated).
– Touching a contaminated surface with your hands, and then touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
Supplies needed:
- Soap.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Standard cleaning products.
- Disinfectants, such as bleach.
- Reusable cleaning cloths, sponges, or paper towels.
- Disposable or reusable utility gloves.
How to prevent infection from spreading
There are several things that you can do to help prevent infection from spreading.
Take these general actions
Everyone should take the following actions to prevent the spread of infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If
soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. - Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or elbow instead of into your hand
or into the air.
– If you cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw it away immediately
and wash your hands.
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