Infection Preventatives

As a health care provider the spread of infection is easily accomplished. It is significant to protect oneself, as well as patients, families, and co-workers from infection. When an individual is ill their body’s defenses are compromised, making them at greater risk for infections. Many patients die of infections every year from an infection caught in the hospital and not their illness. The simplest precautions can be used to dramatically reduce the risks of the spread of infection, such as proper hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment. Washing one’s hands continuously throughout the day in between, before, and after patient care will significantly reduce infections from spreading among patients. Using protective equipment, such as a mask, gown, or gloves when dealing with body fluids or highly infectious patients decreases the spread of infections. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions and perform the simple measures used to reduce the spread of infection throughout care facilities.