Fighting superbugs, viruses and bacteria FAQ
What’s the first step in protecting my self and those around me?
The first step in protecting yourself and those around you is to be aware and follow good hygiene procedures. It may sound simple, but it’s widely recognised that frequent and thorough handwashing is the first key step in preventing the spread of germs (this is especially important as some germs form spores in order to survive and these can only be removed by washing your hands properly).
Below is a guide to thorough handwashing - you should always wash your hands in warm, running water for at least 20 seconds.
Is there anything else I can do to minimise the risk?
Yes - by using antimicrobial products. As well as allowing you to protect yourself (your hands and body) - these products will safely sanitise your immediate environment (surfaces, seats, objects, fabrics etc), so it is less likely to pick up or spread germs. The formula in PatientPak is the most highly effective antimicrobial in the UK and kills germs in multiple ways – so they cannot become resistant to it. It is also recommended that you dispose of any products you have used in hospital, and do not take them home.
(See the ‘What’s in it?’ section for more information on how to protect your self with PatientPak products)
Why is it important to dispose of products when I leave?
Germs can be taken into hospital (on items, objects, and clothing etc) and they can also be taken back home when you leave – so wherever possible, it is recommended that you use disposable items during your stay. By using disposable items and throwing them away when you leave, you will cut the chances of bringing germs back into your home (or other place of recovery).
Can I catch these harmful germs if I’m healthy?
You are most at risk if you are unwell, in recovery from illness/ surgery or in a ‘high risk’ group (i.e. elderly, pregnant, under 5 years old) – although healthy people have been known to catch these germs it is rare.
As anyone can carry these bugs, the main concern is that, as a healthy person, you may unwittingly pass the germs onto someone who is vulnerable.
Why are people in hospital more vulnerable to these germs?
If you are in hospital it is likely that you are unwell or in recovery – in either case your body’s natural defence system (immune system) will be compromised and less able to fight germs. Surgery, other invasive procedures or the use of medical devices (such as catheters) also increase the likely hood of germs entering the body.
The sheer number of people going in and out of a hospital also means that germs are brought in from a variety of places. And with the high number of people using antibiotics – the germs can build up resistance and develop into new strains.
Should I follow different germ control procedures in different places?
By knowing and using good hygiene practice you can minimise the spread of germs wherever you are. The most important hygiene procedures (like frequent hand washing, sanitising surfaces and minimising physical contact with ill people) are simple, straightforward and can be applied in any setting, be it in the home, in healthcare facilities like a hospitals or nursing homes, in nurseries, doctor’s surgeries and schools.
Certain situations may require a much higher level of care than others, for example where vulnerable people are present, in hospitals or retirement homes etc.
How can I protect myself if I’m ill or caring for an ill person?
If you are ill - or looking after an ill person, then the chances of germs spreading are higher. The sections below outline the best ways to minimise the spread of germs.
Germ control at the source
- Ill people or those caring for an ill person should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. (see good handwashing guide above)
- Always wash your hands after contact with an ill person, or wear gloves if possible.
- If dealing with body fluids or dressing wounds you should wear gloves and dispose of these and any dressings immediately and hygienically in a plastic bag, then thoroughly wash, then sanitise your hands.
- Do not share glasses, personal items, towels or flannels etc.
Germ control during illness
- Don’t allow sufferers with weeping sores to prepare food.
- Germs may colonise in the noses of carriers, so use tissues to wipe and blow your nose and dispose of these immediately and safely.
- Clean up any bodily discharges straight away, and wash and sanitise your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Germ control in your surroundings
- Clean and disinfect, using bleach or antimicrobial products, all surfaces and objects that are frequently touched. This will include; the floor, carpets, shower trays, baths, taps, door handles, telephones, remote controls, curtains.
- Vacuum each day if anybody in the house has a skin illness.
- Wash an ill person’s laundry, including clothes, towels and bedding separately and after your own, either at 40°C with a biological detergent or at 60°C.
Germ control at the site of infection
- Germs can enter your body through breaks in the skin, so make sure that you cover all cuts, wounds or grazes as soon as possible with sterile dressings and use antiseptics, as they can help prevent germs from getting in.
- Make sure medical devices are hygienically clean before use, and where possible avoid touching them.
For more information and advice on how best avoid germs in hospital see our step-by-step FAQ sections: ‘Before going to hospital’ ‘During your stay’ and ‘After your stay’
