Every year, the world sets aside one week in October as International Infection Prevention Week. The Accredited Family of Home Care Services wants to bring awareness to you and your family about reducing your risk of infection.

Reducing Your Risk of Infection

Part of the goal of International Infection Prevention Week is to learn about the basics of spreading infection and disease.

1. Wearing Protective Gloves – There are actually a number of gloves available to use both in your home and in the health care environment. This free handout helps explain what types of gloves work best; from using them to cook and clean to medical care and more. Knowledge is strength.
2. Pneumonia is an Infection of Your Lungs – Many people don’t realize that pneumonia is an infection that is in your lungs. Take precautions, talk to your doctor about how you can avoid pneumonia; including pneumonia shots.
3. Washing Your Hands – Washing your hands PROPERLY is one of the most important and best ways to prevent the spreading of germs and disease. Reducing the risk of infection begins with washing your hands regularly and properly.
4. Be Aware (Healthcare Associated Infections) – Germs, viruses, and bacteria are all around us. It’s especially important to be aware of and know about how to handle infection in health care environments. Here is a great resource for explaining health care associated infections.

Steps You Can Take for Infection Prevention Month

• Clean surface areas regularly.
• Sneeze & Cough into your elbow.
• Question if caregivers, visitors and staff have washed their hands before interacting with you.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Use a disinfectant lotion or gel that used at least 60% alcohol to help deter germs.
• Question daily if a catheter is still needed when you are hospitalized or in recovery. Using a catheter for extended periods can increase your risk of infections, including bladder and urinary tract infections.
• Bathrooms & kitchens should be cleaned daily with germ killing substances such as vinegar & water or other germ attacking cleaning products. Wipe down surfaces, steam mop or mop floors and use antibacterial sprays.
• Question the use of antibiotics. Remember that antibiotics do not kill viruses and are not always needed. Overuse of antibiotics may increase the risk of infection, but they do have their place. It’s okay to question if antibiotics are really necessary or going to make a real difference.

You have the power to reduce the risk of you and your loved ones spreading infection.

Contact Us for Recovery Care at Home

We take precautions to ensure that our in-home caregivers and in home health care professionals decrease the risk of infection for those they care for. International infection prevention week is a time to learn more about reducing your risk for infection both at home and in the health care environment, for the rest of your life.

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Photo by Ryan Harvey