Infection Control Key Principles
This article outlines the key principles of infection control, including standard precautions and transmission-based precautions.
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Introduction to Infection Control
Infection control is a critical aspect of health and social care, aiming to prevent the spread of infections and protect individuals, staff, and the environment. The key principles of infection control are based on standard precautions and transmission-based precautions.
Standard Precautions
Standard precautions are applied to all individuals, regardless of their infectious status. These precautions include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps and bodily fluids. Support workers should always follow standard precautions when interacting with individuals, including during personal care activities and when handling laundry or equipment.
Transmission-Based Precautions
- Contact precautions: used for individuals with infections that can be spread through direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA or C. difficile.
- Droplet precautions: used for individuals with infections that can be spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or tuberculosis.
- Airborne precautions: used for individuals with infections that can be spread through the air, such as tuberculosis or varicella.
By following these key principles of infection control, support workers can significantly reduce the risk of infection transmission and promote a safe environment for individuals and staff.