Infection Control aims to prevent or reduce the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

 

Infection Control

Infection Control is a preventative approach for preventing and managing Hospital-Associated Infections (HAI) and Surgical Site Infections (SSI). Infection control is a scientific and practical method to preventing the spread of infectious illnesses produced by microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses in both healthcare and non-healthcare settings (farms).

In order to combat infection, hospitals are now working with firms that offer infection control services. As a result of the high number of deaths caused by HAI and SSI, hospitals are taking extra precautions to prevent infection by utilising disinfectants, sterilisers, and other consumables. Some governments promote infection control by launching campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising knowledge about Infection Control and Prevention.

Germs are present in our air, soil, and water, as well as in and on our bodies, and are a part of everyday life. Some microorganisms are beneficial, while others are dangerous. Many bacteria exist in and on our bodies without harming us, and some even assist us in maintaining our health. Only a small percentage of bacteria can cause illness.

What Causes Infections?

When bacteria enter the body, multiply, and create a response in the body, it is called an infection.

In order for an infection to occur, three conditions must be met:

·        Infectious agents (germs) can be found in a variety of places (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin)

·        Person who is susceptible to infections and has a route for germs to enter the body

·        Transmission is the process through which germs are transferred from one person to another.

A virus, bacterium, or other microbe is referred to as a source, which is an infectious agent or germ.

Germs can be discovered in a variety of areas in healthcare settings. Germs come from a variety of places, including people.

·        Patients and healthcare professionals

·        Visitors and members of the household

People might become ill with infection symptoms or become infected with bacteria (not have symptoms of an infection but able to pass the germs to others).

Germs can also be discovered in hospital settings. Germs may be found in a variety of places in the environment, including:

In patient care spaces, dry surfaces are preferred (e.g., bed rails, medical equipment, countertops, and tables)

·        Biofilms, wet surfaces, and moist environments (e.g., cooling towers, faucets and sinks, and equipment such as ventilators)

·        Medical devices that are implanted in the body (e.g., catheters and IV lines)

·        Decomposition waste or dust (e.g., construction dust or wet materials from water leaks)