Infection Control

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If a pandemic were to occur such as the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, it would mean that the virus would be highly lethal. Encouraging Christians to visit the sick without knowledge and training on proper precautions would be foolhardy knowing the dangers of such a deadly pathogen. Even taking the proper precautions to prevent getting the disease, there is still no guarantee that you too will not become ill. 

Infection control is the discipline concerned with preventing the spread of a disease. It is essential to practice this discipline without exception. Successful infection control for a pandemic virus uses the same strategies as for any infectious agent. Practicing this discipline will help minimize the spread of infection and help protect both those delivering and receiving care. The discipline of infection control should be considered standard operating procedures and should never be compromised. 

This section presents information on infection control and personal protection equipment (PPE) to help protect against acquiring the disease while caring for the sick. Again, there is no assurance that you will not acquire the virus; however, this section will equip you for the battle. 

 The mode of transmission of a pathogen will determine the Personal  Protection Equipment (PPE) required. Learn the types of transmission, and the standard precautions to be taken for each. Also learn about each piece of equipment, its use, and how to don and doff properly. 

Studies have shown that viruses can live on hands anywhere from five minutes to three hours; porous materials eight to twelve to forty-eight hours; stainless steel three to seven days; and glass from four to five days. This section tells how to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces to eliminate pathogens. 

The WHO and the CDC recommend using sodium hypochlorite (bleach/chlorine) to disinfect surfaces contaminated with H5N1 influenza. This section gives instructions how to properly and effectively use bleach as a disinfectant.