Infection Control in the School Setting It’s In Your Hands

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

Hand Hygiene 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

Hand Hygiene 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: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) 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.

HIV 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

HBV 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.

HCV Disease 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.

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.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis Symptoms General Symptoms: Weight loss Weakness Fever and/or Night Sweats TB of the Lung: Cough Chest pain Coughing up blood

TB Skin Testing

TB Infection vs. TB Disease Person is sick, has symptoms, and can spread disease to others. Treatment is needed in order to get well. TB Infection: Germs in body, but not sick and no symptoms. Skin test is usually positive. Most people (90%) do not develop disease.

Respiratory Hygiene

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!