Download Infection Control in the School Setting What is an Infection? A

Infection Control in the School Setting
What is an Infection?
A condition resulting from the presence of, and invasion by, germs
(microorganisms)
For Infection to Occur an Organism Must:
enter the body, grow and multiply, cause a response
Routes of Transmission
Contact:
1. direct
2. indirect
3. droplet
(3 feet)
Routes of Transmission
Vehicle
Airborne
Vector
Chain of Infection
Handwashing
(Hand Hygiene)
The most important measure you can use to prevent the spread of infection.
Hand Hygiene Guidelines
When hands are visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids: Wash hands with either
a non-antimicrobial soap and water …..OR An antimicrobial soap and water
If hands are not visibly soiled: Use an alcohol-based hand rub for routinely
decontaminating hands.
Handwashing Procedure
Wet hands. Apply soap. Rub hands together producing friction. Wash between fingers,
tops of hands, and around jewelry. Wash for at least 15 seconds. Rinse hands well. Dry
hands with a paper towel then use the towel to turn off faucet.
Handwashing …..The #1 way to prevent the spread of germs.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria or viruses that are present in human blood and
body fluids and can be transmitted to other humans.
The most common bloodborne pathogens are:
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
2. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
3. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission
Sexually
From mother-to-newborn at birth
Sharing of needles or other sharps
Accidental needlestick/cut/bite (infected person to non-infected person)
Blood transfusions (in the past)
HIV
The virus which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
HIV attacks the body’s immune system, weakening it so that it cannot fight other
deadly diseases.
The virus is very fragile and will not live very long outside of the human body.
There is no cure for AIDS although there are various anti-viral medications to prolong
life.
AIDS is a fatal disease.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”.
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver.
In the U.S., approximately 300,000 people are infected annually.
Hepatitis B Virus Disease
Is a very durable virus and can survive outside of the body for at least 7 days.
It is very important to clean up any blood or body fluid spills.
(Can use a 1:10 bleach solution – which is 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water.)
Hepatitis B Vaccine
To prevent hepatitis B.
A 3-dose vaccine series given at 0, 1, 6 months intervals.
96% of people who take the vaccine will develop antibody (protection) against the
hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
“The Silent Epidemic”
Another cause of viral hepatitis.
It is usually slow-spreading and silent, but lasts a long time.
It is one of the major causes of cirrhosis in the U.S.
It is a major cause of liver cancer worldwide.
Approximately 8-12,000 people die annually from hepatitis C-related disease.
There is no vaccine for HCV.
Anti-viral medications are available for treatment for some HCV-infected persons.
Standard Precautions
Consider the blood and body fluids of everyone to be potentially infectious.
Standard Precautions
Do not:
Share razors, toothbrushes, eating utensils and drinking containers with other people.
Share needles or other sharps with others.
Do:
Be careful when providing first aid or dressing the wounds of others.
Always keep sores or open wounds covered with band aid or dressing.
Do:
Always immediately clean up any spills of blood or body fluids (wear gloves).
Always carefully clean household when someone is ill in the home.
Tuberculosis (TB)
A disease transmitted from person-to-person through the air when an infected person
repeatedly comes in contact with an uninfected person.
TB usually affects the lungs, but may attack almost any part of the body.
General Symptoms:
1. Weight loss
2. Weakness
3. Fever and/or Night Sweats
TB of the Lung:
1. Cough
2. Chest pain
3. Coughing up blood
TB Skin Testing
TB Infection vs. TB Disease
TB Infection:
1. Germs in body, but not sick and no symptoms.
2. Skin test is usually positive.
3. Most people (90%) do not develop disease.
TB Disease:
1. Person is sick, has symptoms, and can spread disease to others.
2. Treatment is needed in order to get well.
Respiratory Hygiene
Cover the nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing;
Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions & dispose of them in the nearest waste
receptacle after use; Perform hand hygiene after having contact with respiratory
secretions & contaminated objects/materials.
Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics are for treatment of bacteria – not viruses.
Always take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed.
Do not save antibiotics for “next time”.
Do not share antibiotics with others.
Employee Health
Practice good personal hygiene.
Be sure you are up-to-date on all of your immunizations.
Seriously consider taking the influenza vaccine annually.
Do not come to work when you are sick.
Practice good handwashing!