Infection Control

Every year, lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals. Health care workers can take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These steps are part of infection control.

Proper hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals. If you are a patient, don’t be afraid to remind friends, family and health care providers to wash their hands before getting close to you.

Other steps health care workers can take include

• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying up-to-date with immunizations
• Using gloves, masks and protective clothing
• Making tissues and hand cleaners available
• Following hospital guidelines when dealing with blood or contaminated items

• After an exposure to sharps or body fluids (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Bloodborne pathogens (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Central line infections – hospitals (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Cleaning to prevent the spread of germs (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Isolation precautions (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Personal protective equipment (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Preventing infections when visiting (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Staph infections – hospital (Medical Encyclopedia)

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