When visiting a hospital, it is very essential for prevention of hospital acquired infection that one may pay attention to some basic hospital guidelines that is being discussed in this article.
Sources of Infection in hospitals:
1. Patients own flora or Endogenous (50%):- Auto-Infection and is Greatest source of potential danger.
2. Environment or Exogenous(15%):- Air-5%; Instruments-10%
3. Another Patient/Staff :- Cross Infection (35%)
Prevention of Hospital Acquired (Nosocomial) Infection:
- Limiting transmission of organism:- By adequate hand washing, glove use whenever coming in contact with the patient or blood or tissue samples, following appropriate aseptic practice, isolation strategies, sterilization, disinfection practices and laundry.
- Controlling environmental risks for infection:- By maintaining distance with the patient or suspect having communicable disease and not touching random objects like table, bed, chair or any equipment and being aware of the instruction signboards.
- Limiting the risk of endogenous infections: By minimizing invasive procedures, and promoting optimal antimicrobial use such as Alcohol hand rub and vaccination.
- Good nutrition: Always following balanced diet that having good nutrition thus boosting immunity.
Good general ward hygiene:
– No overcrowding
– Good ventilation
– Ask for regular cleaning with disinfectant
– Maximize the use of Disposable equipment
References and Further reading:
Prevention of hospital-acquired infections: A practical guide. 2nd edition
