Download Universal Precautions - Family Care Services

INFECTION CONTROL POLICY
As most of us know, there has been an increase in deadly infectious diseases such
as AIDS and Hepatitis. Because we cannot tell by looking at someone whether he/she is
a carrier of an infectious disease, it is important to learn ways to protect ourselves from
such diseases. Rather than concern ourselves with who to protect ourselves from, it is far
better to treat everyone as though they may be infectious. Protecting ourselves in this
way is exercising "universal precautions". Universal precautions means that we protect
ourselves from everyone in the same way since we do not know who can infect us with
deadly diseases.
Casual contact with another person DOES NOT pose a risk of catching a disease
which is transmitted by blood. Contact which can share blood or some body fluids IS
dangerous. The two most common ways of spreading these viruses are sharing needles
or having sex with an infected person. If you do not share needles or have sex with an
infected person and you practice universal precautions with all people, you will be very
safe from these diseases. Talk with your physician and determine whether it is advisable
for you to receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Some clients come from situations where they did not receive adequate medical
care. Therefore, their current medical status is unknown. They may have some illness or
infection which has not been diagnosed or treated. It is important, therefore, to treat all
children as if they have contagious diseases until they can be taken to the doctor for a
physical examination and diagnosis of any medical problems.
Prevention of diseases utilizing the universal precautions includes the following:
1.
Practice good handwashing and good hygiene. Good hygiene is the single, most
important disease prevention technique. Immediately washing your hands after
contact with any infectious substance greatly reduces your chances of contracting
the disease. Practicing good hygiene keeps everyone healthier and more resistant
to diseases in general.
2.
Wear latex gloves when cleaning body fluids particularly any body fluids
containing blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Sometimes vomit, urine, and feces
can contain blood. To be extra careful, gloves should be worn when cleaning up
these body fluids as well. Always wash your hands after removing the gloves.
3.
Do not share the following items with other people:
Razors or razor blades
Nail clippers
Earrings
Toothbrushes
Needles or syringes
Food
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Chewing gum
Makeup
Anything that can spread blood or body fluids to another
person
4.
Do not eat after other people and do not allow other people to eat after you. This
includes small children.
5.
Some parasites, such as head lice, can be spread by sharing personal hygiene
items such as combs and brushes. Teach clients to use only their own personal
hygiene items.
HEPATITIS B VACCINE
All FCS staff members are offered the Hepatitis B Vaccine at the time of
employment. Provider parents should discuss the need for the Hepatitis B Vaccine with
their physicians.
PROCEDURE FOR POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
1.
2.
3.
Notify your physician immediately.
Notify FCS if the exposure is client or work related.
Determine the best course action with assistance from your physician and other
health-care
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Revised 4-2-2002
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