INFECTION CONTROL

1. INFECTION CONTROL

2. Why Training? • Group of people live or work in a common setting, the chance of spreading or contracting infectious diseases increases. • Infection control is vital to your well-being and the well-being of our consumers. You and your consumers should know about and take special precautions to prevent infections. • The purpose of this training is to teach infection control procedures to help you maintain optimal wellness, both for the people you serve and yourself.

3. What is INFECTION CONTROL? The practice of preventing the spread of infection in the home and workplace.

4. Causes of Infections • Viruses • Bacteria • Protozoa • Parasites Most commonly known as GERMS. Infectious Germs may be anywhere around you.

5. Where do GERMS live?? EVERYWHERE!!!! Germs especially like Dark, Warm, Wet Places.

6. How Infections Diseases Spread….. • Source – a person or object • Exit – germs find a way out of the source through blood, body fluids, cough or sneeze • Method of transmission – germs may travel through the air or by direct contact between people or people and objects • Entry – germs enter through break in skin or by breathing • Susceptible Person – one who has a depressed immune system

7. 4 Concepts of Good Infection Control Program • SEPARATION – keep dirty objects from clean objects – sick people from well people. • AVOIDANCE – keep away from potential sources of infection • SANITATION – proper cleaning – 2 step process – soap and water to remove contaminant and disinfecting with bleach solution to kill the germs • GOOD HEALTH – eat right, exercise to promote optimal health – Immune system works better if you are in good health.

8. Risk of Infection Employees are at risk for exposure to the following infectious diseases: • TUBERCULOSIS • HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) • HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) • HUMAN IMMUNIDEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV/ AIDS) • Variety of other every-day communicable diseases

9. Tuberculosis (TB) • A communicable bacterial disease, acute or chronic, that usually affects the lungs. • Worldwide - someone is infected with TB every second. Leading infectious disease killer in the world. • Increasing in the U.S. - 30,000 cases reported annually. • Texas ranks number 3 in U.S.

10. Mode of Transmission • Airborne by droplet nuclei. Droplets are very small, therefore can readily bypass the upper respiratory defense system and be inhaled directly into the alveoli. • Spread by airborne droplets when a person with untreated TB of the lungs/larynx speaks, coughs, sings or sneezes. • May remain airborne for several hours.

11. Prevention - TB • TB skintestevery year for direct contact staff • Know signs and symptoms of disease (prolonged cough, fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss.) • Use Universal Precautions at all times.

12. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) • Approximately 200,000 cases occur annually in the U.S. • 5,000 are health care workers • Approximately 1.25 million people in the U.S. are chronic carriers of hepatitis B.

13. Mode of Transmission • Blood borne -- needle sticks, IV drug users, sharing shaving razors, dirty dishes and utensils • Sexual contact -- semen and vaginal secretions • NOT through casual contact.

14. Prevention – Hep B • Hepatitis B vaccine • Use Universal Precautions in all consumer blood contact. • If blood contact occurs, it is important that a prompt response be made by the employee to minimize the duration of blood contact with the skin.

15. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) • The CDC estimates that 150,000 Americans become infected with HCV each year. • Is associated with 8,000 - 10,000 deaths each year. • HCV is a significant occupational risk for health care workers who are exposed to the blood of infected patients. • Hepatitis C is now the leading indication for liver transplantation.

16. Mode of Transmission • Blood borne • Needle sticks • IV drug users

17. Prevention – Hep C • There is no vaccine nor treatment for individuals infected with HCV, thus prevention is the only means to protect. • If exposure occurs, prompt response is essential to minimize duration of blood contact with skin. • Use Universal Precautions in all consumer blood and body substance contacts.

18. Human Immunodeficiency (HIV/Aids) Virus • Is a chronic progressive viral disease, which destroys the immune system. • Texas is #4 in the country for AIDS cases. • HIV/AIDS is the 10th leading cause of death in Texas. • Nationally it is the 11th leading cause of death.

19. Mode of Transmission • Blood borne -- needle sticks, IV drug users, sharing shaving razors. • Sexual contact -- semen and vaginal secretions • Skin contact -- infectious fluids can enter the body through wounds, cuts, or broken or damaged skin. • Mucous membrane contact -- infectious fluids enter body through, eyes, nose or mouth.

20. Prevention – HIV/AIDS • Protected sex • Do not share razors, IV needles, etc. • Do not abuse alcohol or drugs which may lead to impaired judgment – thus leading to high risk behaviors associated with transmission of HIV

21. Universal Precautions The best protection against ALL disease transmission from blood borne pathogens and most body substances is to always practice Universal Precautions at all times.

22. Report and Document • BE AWARE – of environment (cleanliness, unwanted pests, soiled laundry, food spoils, leaks, torn screens, etc.) • REPORT – all potential infection control issues to supervisors • DOCUMENT

23. Protect • PROTECT – use Universal Precautions at all times • Gloves, masks and other protective gear • Hand washing – before and after contact with consumers, before and after toileting, etc. • HANDLING WASTES – Sharps containers for broken glass, needles, razors, etc.

24. Take Action • Safely and correctly clean spills immediately • Handle soiled laundry as little as possible; wash immediately or bag in a leak-proof bag • Use Universal Precautions • Use Spill Kit for cleaning up spills • Model good techniques • Hand washing • Use of kleenex/handkerchief • Take proper care of wounds

25. HIV in the Workplace • The US Department of Health and Human Services recognizes HIV/AIDS as a medical disability or handicap according to the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA, and prohibits discrimination based on HIV/AIDS. • Employees with HIV will be treated no differently than employees with other life threatening diseases.

26. HIV in the Workplace • Such employees will be provided with reasonable accommodations as long as they are medically able to perform their assigned duties and do not pose a threat to their health and safety or the health and safety of others. • Federal Privacy Act, Texas Commission on Human Rights, and the Texas Health and Safety Code provide that medical information regarding employees must be kept confidential. Employers are forbidden by law to disclose this information without the employees knowledge and consent.

27. Current Laws re: HIV/AIDS Current laws and regulations concerning the rights of HIV/AIDS infected individuals: • Right to confidential medical and personal files • Right to privacy • Right to non-discrimination

28. More Information • Centers for Disease Control • 1-800-342-2437 • AIDS Services of Austin – Information Line • 1-512-448-2437 • National AIDS Hotline • 1-800-248-1091 • University of Texas Public Health Department • 1-800-548-4659

29. Remember…… • All people share the same responsibility to protect themselves and others from infection! • Practice Universal Precautions at all times!!