Patient safety tips to use at home
Many of the infection prevention practices at Sheltering Arms can be used at home.
Hand washing is the equivalent of a “do-it-yourself” vaccine. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular hand washing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick.
Influenza (flu) and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
To help stop the spread of germs:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
“In a healthcare setting, at work/school, or even at home, we are vulnerable to infectious germs. The first barrier of defense is proper hand washing with either soap and water or hand sanitizer. The next step is to get vaccinated against the flu and other infections to avoid complications. Wearing gloves and masks, as well as sneezing into your elbow can help reduce the transmission of bacteria. At Sheltering Arms, our priority is keeping patients and their guests safe,” said Jennifer Bandas, Infection Control Nurse.
If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, invest in good hand soap, get a flu shot, and follow the precautions outlined above to stay healthy in and out of a healthcare setting.