Guidelines for Infection control in the Home

Patient Tips on Infection Control in the Home

Contact with infected body fluids, such as, blood, urine, feces, mucous, or the droplets that are sprayed into the air when a person coughs or sneezes can spread illnesses from one person to another. Sometimes infections are spread through items that have been contaminated by drainage from infected sores, or discharges from the nose, mouth, eyes, or genital/rectal area. Controlling the spread of infections means interrupting the way illness travels from one person to another. Maintaining a clean environment helps to keep infections under control, and maintaining personal hygiene is very important to your health.

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly

  • Clean contaminated household and medical equipment thoroughly

  • Meet your health needs

  • Good hand washing is the single most important way to control infection

Allcare Responsibilities

Allcare identifies infection risks based on the following:

- Its geographic location, community, and population served

- The care, treatment, or services it provides

- The analysis of its surveillance activities and other infection control data

- Prioritizes the identified risks for acquiring and spreading infections

CORONAVIRUS

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.