Infection control (also called infection prevention and control) is the set of everyday practices that stop germs from passing between people. The same principles apply whether you are at home, at work, or caring for someone else.
How infections spread
Most infections need three things to spread: a source of germs, a way to travel (such as unwashed hands, coughs and sneezes, or contaminated surfaces), and another person to infect. Remove any one of these links and the chain breaks - which is exactly what good infection control does.
Standard precautions
Standard precautions are the baseline habits used with everyone, all the time, because you cannot tell by looking who might be carrying an infection:
- Clean your hands before and after contact with others and after touching shared surfaces.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, then clean your hands.
- Use personal protective equipment (such as a mask or gloves) when it is appropriate.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
- Stay home and away from others when you are unwell.
Next: Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment.