|
April 14, 2008
News
reports about “superbugs” such as MRSA have raised public
awareness about the importance of infection control. While
MRSA infections occur most frequently among persons in
hospitals and healthcare facilities, it is becoming
increasingly common in the community.
By
utilizing some simple safety techniques, people can avoid
these types of serious staph infections. The Illinois Council
on Long Term Care, an association of nursing home
professionals, offers the following helpful recommendations
for avoiding dangerous infections:
- Keep
your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water
or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep
all cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage
until healed. Broken skin allows bacteria to enter and
exit.
- Avoid
contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
- Avoid
sharing personal items such as towels and razors.
- At
a health club, wipe surfaces before and after use and use
a barrier (such as clothing or a towel) between your skin
and the fitness equipment.
- Ensure
that medical professionals disinfect their hands before
examining you.
- Have
alcohol-based hand sanitizer readily available in places
like the car and in your purse or briefcase.
- If
you visit someone in the hospital or nursing home, wash
your hands before and after your visit to ensure that you
don’t carry germs.
Avoiding
infections requires using your common sense. If something is
wet and not yours, don’t touch it without using barriers and
precautions. By utilizing these basic safety steps, you can go
a long way in protecting yourself and your family from harm.
Susan
Duda-Gardiner
Director of Clinical Services
Illinois Council on Long Term Care
773/478-6613
|
