What causes the spread of infection?
Infectious diseases commonly spread through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. This can happen when an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, kisses, or coughs or sneezes on someone who isn’t infected.
Why is it important to break the chain of infection?
Despite the variety of viruses and bacteria, germs spread from person to person through a common series of events. Therefore, to prevent germs from infecting more people, we must break the chain of infection.
Which is more important disease prevention or disease treatment?
Overall, while there are challenges, prevention is far more cost effective than treatment and serves to decrease disease rates around the world. However, as it stands, global health focuses more on outbreaks after the fact than on keeping them from emerging.
What are the three main routes of transmission?
The transmission of microorganisms can be divided into the following five main routes: direct contact, fomites, aerosol (airborne), oral (ingestion), and vectorborne. Some microorganisms can be transmitted by more than one route.
How is prevention better than cure?
There are certain diseases that can not be treated so the prevention is better than cure. When someone is ill, person body functions get weakened and can never fully recover. It takes time to cure a disease and the person is likely to be in bedridden for some time, even though adequate care is provided to him.
What are the basic principles involved in medical treatment for a disease?
There are primarily two ways to treat a disease: 1. Reduce the effect of the disease: Medicines are provided to reduce the pain or bring down the fever. In other words, symptomatical treatment may help to reduce the impact of a disease, but it might not outright cure it.
What is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infection?
Hospital-acquired infections are caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens; the most common types are bloodstream infection (BSI), pneumonia (eg, ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP]), urinary tract infection (UTI), and surgical site infection (SSI).
How can hospital-acquired infections be prevented?
Box 2: Practical methods for preventing nosocomial infection
- Hand washing: as often as possible. use of alcoholic hand spray.
- Stethoscope: cleaning with an alcohol swab at least daily.
- Gloves: supplement rather than replace hand washing.
- Intravenous catheter: thorough disinfection of skin before insertion.
How does hand washing break the chain of infection?
Hand hygiene is a very effective way to control the spread of infection. Hand hygiene means washing hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand rub. The most effective method of hand hygiene is soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and running water loosens, dilutes and flushes off dirt and germs.
What is a hospital-acquired infection?
A hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is an infection whose development is favoured by a hospital environment, such as one acquired by a patient during a hospital visit. OUH Microbiology supports screening programmes for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C.
Is it better than cure?
It is better to stop something bad from happening than it is to deal with it after it has happened.
What is the impact of hospital-acquired infections?
Increased costs: Longer hospital stays also means more treatment and more costs. The CDC estimates that annually hospital-acquired infections cost patients over ten billion dollars. Lost wages: Hospital associated infections can lengthen recovery time and prevent you from returning to work, resulting in lost wages.
What are the four elements in the chain of infection?
It is a process that begins when (1) an infectious agent or pathogen (2) leaves its reservoir, source, or host through (3) a portal of exit, (4) is conveyed by some mode of transmission, (5) enters the host through an appropriate portal of entry, and (6) infects a susceptible host.
What is the meaning of cure?
a means of healing or restoring to health; remedy. a means of correcting or relieving anything that is troublesome or detrimental: to seek a cure for inflation. the act or a method of preserving meat, fish, etc., by smoking, salting, or the like.
What is the difference between prevention and treatment of a disease?
Prevention – Delivered prior to the onset of a disorder, these interventions are intended to prevent or reduce the risk of developing a behavioral health problem, such as underage alcohol use. Treatment – These services are for people diagnosed with a substance use or other behavioral health disorder.
Who said prevention is the best cure?
Desiderius Erasmus
How can the spread of infection be prevented?
Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases
- Wash your hands often.
- Get vaccinated.
- Use antibiotics sensibly.
- Stay at home if you have signs and symptoms of an infection.
- Be smart about food preparation.
- Disinfect the ‘hot zones’ in your residence.
- Practice safer sex.
- Don’t share personal items.
What are the six components of the chain of infection?
The 6 points include: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, means of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. The way to stop germs from spreading is by interrupting the chain at any link.
What are principle of prevention?
Hygienic conditions should be maintained in the surroundings we live in. There should be limited exposure to airborne microbes by providing not so crowded living conditions. Safe drinking water should be provided to prevent water-borne diseases. Provide a clean environment which prevents the breeding of mosquitoes.
Which action can prevent or stop the spread of communicable disease?
Washing hands properly is one of the most important and effective ways of stopping the spread of infections and illnesses. Wash your hands thoroughly using water and plain soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds and dry them completely.