Breaking the chain of infection
Breaking the chain
Preventing infection means breaking the links in the chain so that an infection cannot spread. Some links are easier to break than others.
Standard precautions include:
- Good hand hygiene
- Safe disposal of waste
- Safe management of laundry
- Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Steps in Infection Prevention
It is vital to remember that not everybody who carries harmful micro-organisms will be ill or show any symptoms. This means that staff must work in ways that prevent infection at all times.
Additional measures required
In a work place it may be necessary to take additional measures when supporting people who are know to be carrying some harmful micro-organisms to protect others from contamination. This can be particularly important if the pathogens travel through the air.
What is contamination
If something becomes contaminated it means it will become dirty, infected, unclean or polluted. You have an important role to play in preventing the spread of infections.