The principles of infection prevention Wikipedia refer to a set of guidelines and protocols that are designed to reduce the risk of infection and the spread of infectious diseases. These principles focus on controlling the transmission of infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, through various means, such as proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of protective equipment, and effective cleaning and disinfection.
Infection prevention is based on the concept of “barrier protection”, which involves preventing the spread of infectious agents through the use of physical or chemical barriers. These barriers can include gloves, masks, gowns, eye protection, and other protective items. In addition, barrier protection can also be used to reduce the risk of spread of infection through contact with surfaces, such as countertops, door handles, and bedding.
One of the most important principles of infection prevention is hand hygiene. This involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand hygiene is crucial because it reduces the risk of transmission of bacteria, viruses, and parasites from person to person or from person to surface. In addition, proper hand hygiene can also reduce the risk of infection from contaminated surfaces and objects.
Another important principle of infection prevention is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, and other protective items. PPE can help prevent the transmission of infectious agents and protect healthcare personnel from infection.
Finally, another important principle of infection prevention is the effective cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. This involves using an appropriate disinfectant and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can help reduce the risk of spread of infectious agents and can be an important part of preventing the spread of infection.