Infection control general information

By knowing and understanding:

  1. Where the germs originate,
  2. how they are expelled from the body or source,
  3. how they are transmitted between people and their environment and
  4. how they can infect people once they encounter them,

you can make sure you are able to apply good hygiene practice to minimise the spread of infection at each point of the infection cycle.

This general infection control section focuses on simple and straightforward advice that can be applied in any setting, be it in the home, in healthcare facilities like a hospitals or nursing homes, in a 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. Use this section as a guideline for baseline hygiene practice and consult the Before, During and After Hospital Visit FAQs for further information on extra precautions that you can take in high risk environments.

infection control

The above diagram shows the cycle of infection for three general categories of infection causing bugs. The cycle describes the 4 main stages in the cycle of infection, and the particular points of transfer or infection for each of the general categories of illness. For each of these points, practical advice to minimise infection and spread of disease is given below. Click on a word to find out how you can protect yourself, your loved ones and those around you from illness. The commonly thought of HAIs fall into these general categories, so it is worth noting the cycle of infection to think about how you can prevent the spread of HAIs during your hospital stay or visit.

Infection control at the source

  • Wash your hands after contact with an infected individual, 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.
  • Ill people should wash their hands frequently.
  • Do not share towels or flannels etc.
washing

Infection control during illness

(Germs will be shed and expelled by a sufferer.)

  • Don’t allow sufferers with weeping sores to prepare food.
  • MRSA may be colonise in the noses of carriers, 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 sanitse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Infection 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 infection.
  • Wash an ill person’s laundry, including clothes, towels and bedding separately and after your own, either at 40C with a biological detergent or at 60C.

Infection control at the site of infection

  • Germs can enter your body through breaks in the skin, 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.