Page 36 - Home Health Marketing

SECTION 8. Infection Prevention and Control

To help prevent the spread of a widespread pandemic or isolated infection,
follow the guidelines in this section. Stay clean and use good hygiene. Items
used in health care, such as bandages or gloves, can spread infection, harm
trash handlers, family members and others who touch them, and harm the
environment if they are not disposed of properly. Some illnesses and
treatments (such as chemotherapy, dialysis, AIDS, diabetes and burns) can
make people more at risk for infection. Your nurse will tell you how to use
protective clothing (such as gowns or gloves) if you need it.
Please tell your doctor or a home care staff member if you notice any of the
following signs and symptoms of infection: pain, tenderness, redness or
swelling; inflamed skin, rash, sores or ulcers; fever or chills; pain when
urinating; sore throat or cough; confusion; increased tiredness or weakness;
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; and/or green or yellow pus.

PRACTICE GOOD HEALTH HABITS

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If
you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth with your upper sleeve, not your
hands. Wear a face mask if you are sick, or if others around you are sick.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your
distance from others. Do not share food or utensils.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs may spread if you touch
something that is contaminated, and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Take proper care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, remain physically active (within
your limits), manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Wash your hands frequently and correctly, even if you wear gloves. It is the
single most important step in controlling the spread of infection.

Always wash hands before tending to a sick person; touching or eating food;
and treating a cut or wound.
Always wash hands after:
 Tending to a sick person • Touching soiled linens
 Treating a cut or wound • Touching garbage
 Using the bathroom • Changing diapers
 Touching animals or their waste • Coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
If you have visibly dirty hands, or they are contaminated in any way, wash
them using liquid soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
Remove jewelry, apply soap, wet your hands and rub them together. Wash all
surfaces, including wrists, palms, back of hands, between fingers and under
nails. Rinse and dry your hands with a clean towel that has not been shared
or a paper towel. Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

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