International Infection Prevention Week 2019

International Infection Prevention Week 2019

International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) takes place on October 13-19, 2019, and, due to the dramatic rise in measles cases, this year’s theme is Vaccines Are Everybody’s Business.

International Infection Prevention Week 2019

Infection Prevention is Everyone's Business

Infection prevention and control is everyone's responsibility--from individuals in the community to doctors and nurses in medical facilities.

When each of us does our part by following a few simple guidelines, the spread of disease and its associated cost in wealth and human lives will rapidly decline.

One of the core principles behind infection prevention is vaccinations, which have seen a decline over the last few years due, in part, to a debunked study tying autism to childhood vaccinations.

According to Online Masters in Public Health;

Thanks in part to a debunked study linking vaccines and autism, many parents are refusing to have their children vaccinated against common diseases.

As the number of children inoculated against serious diseases falls, the risk to public health increases.

Refusing Protection: The Decline of Childhood Vaccination in the U.S.

According to the site, childhood vaccinations for 2-year-olds declined between 2008 and 2009 from:

  • 93.5% to 90.6% for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
  • 87.2% to 85.4% for the chickenpox, and;
  • 92% to 90.6% for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.

The decline is concerning and, in the case of chickenpox, is approaching the floor estimated to maintain herd immunity of 75%.

Given the downward trend in vaccinations--one unlikely to tick upward anytime soon--it is imperative that everyone educates themselves on how infectious diseases are spread and how to protect themselves from carriers.

 

Understanding the Basics of the Spread of Infection

Infections are spread from a source to a susceptible person via a transmission method.

A source can consist of a contaminated surface or person, an infected person, a medical device, and even contaminated dust.

A susceptible person is one who has not been vaccinated or possesses a compromised immune system due to disease, surgery, or medication.

A transmission method can come via touch--either a contaminated surface or contact with a contaminated or infected person--spray, such as getting hit with spittle or sputum from a cough or sneeze, aerosolized viruses, and, though rarely, via infected needles, commonly referred to as sharps.

Source:

 

How to Protect Yourself and Those Around You

Immunizing yourself against disease is critical to maintaining your health and ensuring the safety of those around you, but vaccinations are not 100% effective, and the decline in vaccination numbers can expose you and your loved ones to an increased level of risk.

Fortunately, there are actions that you can take to mitigate that risk significantly.

Of the most commonly transmitted diseases, it is estimated that touch is by far the most common mode of transmission--approximately 80%.

The first and most critical step in protecting yourself and others is hand hygiene.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand hygiene can save millions of lives every year for less than ten dollars--soap--and as little as three dollars--liquid hand sanitizer.

The second step is regular cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces, especially in healthcare facilities.

According to the WHO;

  • One out of ten patients acquire a healthcare-associated infection while receiving care, and;
  • More than fifty percent of surgical site infections are antibiotic-resistant.
  • The implementation of effective infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities can reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections by thirty percent.

Source:

Infection prevention and control

 

References & Resources

 

Takeaway

The decline of childhood vaccinations over the last few years has contributed to the increase in deadly preventable infectious disease, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars in healthcare expenses and lost productivity, and leading to countless preventable deaths.

To protect yourself and those around you, always practice practical hand hygiene, especially before eating or after coming into contact with any person or surface you feel may have been contaminated or infected.

Facility managers and business owners can help ensure the health and safety of their workers, students, and other building occupants by implementing regular cleaning and advanced disinfection procedures.

Outsourcing has proven to be a superior option to in-house janitorial services due to high turnover rates and insufficient training.

If you would like more information regarding the benefits of infection prevention and control measures for your school or business, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facilities janitorial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253

In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059

In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253


Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley

Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley