Whether you work in the healthcare field or not, you are exposed to a variety of pathogens. Protecting yourself and others is possible when you take the right precautions. Besides wearing the proper protective gear, it is imperative that you keep abreast of good practices and habits that will prevent the spread of new infections and control existing ones. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is a valuable resource for the latest best practices in infection control and prevention. At Wesley Enhanced Living, we regularly train our teams on the proper techniques to use to control and prevent the spread of disease. 

Steps You Can Take to Prevent the Transmission of Infection

Many infections can be controlled with the use of precautions and these tips from the CDC:

• It Starts with Your Hands: Proper hand washing is the most effective way you can help control the spread of infections and diseases. Keeping hand sanitizer handy helps, too. 
• Covering Coughs and Sneezes: For airborne microbes, a cough or sneeze is just the thing to send them hurling through the air and landing on a surface or person. Be sure to cover your mouth by coughing or sneezing into the inside of your elbow. Wash your hands after using tissues to wipe a runny nose, watery eyes, or your mouth.
• Stay Up to Date on Vaccines: Your immune system will be bombarded daily, so make sure you stay up-to-date on immunizations to give your body the boost it needs.
• Wear Protective Gear: Follow company guidelines on wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, and eye protection, as required. Keep this in mind at home as well!
• Keep Equipment Clean: Meticulous cleaning is imperative to thwart germs from spreading and using water and detergent before disinfection helps to remove unwanted pathogens.
• Use Good Techniques When Cleaning a Resident’s Room: Hold sheets away from your body when removing them. Put them immediately in a laundry bag. Wipe down all surfaces with cleaning agents. This includes bed rails, furniture, telephones, call lights, doorknobs, and light switches. Use a fresh mop, daily.
• Following Company Protocol for Blood-borne or Bodily Fluid Accidents: Before cleaning up, take precautions by marking the area of the spill so others will not enter or slip. 

Germs are everywhere. It is important to learn what you can do to protect yourself and others from the spread of illness that can be prevented. With better awareness of best practices for preventing the spread of infections, you can keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

If you want to make a compelling difference in the lives of others, are enthusiastic about life-long learning, and are seeking employment where your strengths will be valued, then please learn more about Wesley Enhanced Living’s career opportunities.