02. Prevention of Infectious Diseases Flashcards
1
Q
2 main types of preventive measures
A
Individual Measures: Measures that an individual can implement to prevent either exposure or prevent infection.
Community Measures: Measures that a community can implement to reduce transmission so that individuals within the community are at lower risk of exposure and infection
2
Q
Individual Prevention Measures Types (4)
A
- Hand Washing
- Food Safety
- Male Condoms
- Personal Prevention Measures Against Vector-borne Disease
3
Q
Hand Washing
A
- Associated with a significant decrease in the prevalence of many common infections in both low- and high-income countries.
- Works best for diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections
- Critical times for handwashing: After using toilet; After changing diaper / cleaning child; Before handling food
- Barriers to handwashing preventing illness
- Poor water quality / water contaminated with waterborne pathogens
- Unavailability of clean materials for hand drying
- Touch contact after handwashing
- Use of soap for other purposes (laundry, bathing, dishwashing)
4
Q
Food Safety
A
- Implemented to protect against foodborne and waterborne infections
- Contamination of food and water can occur: Naturally( Certain microorganisms reside naturally in animals); during preparation process
- WHO: 5 Keys to Safer Food
5
Q
WHO: 5 Keys to Safer Food
A
- Keep Clean
- Separate Raw and Cooked Foods
- Cook Thoroughly
- Keep Foods at Safe Temperature
- Use Safe Water and Raw Materials
6
Q
Male Condoms
A
- Highly effective method of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Provide protection by putting a physical barrier between surfaces, are typically made of latex, and are impermeable to the smallest STI pathogens
- Provide differing level of protection based on category of STI: Discharge diseases vs. Genital ulcer diseases
7
Q
STIs – Discharge Diseases
A
- Infectious agent present in genital secretions (semen or vaginal fluids)
- Transmitted via contact of infected secretions with partner’s mucosal surfaces (i.e., urethra, rectum, vagina, cervix)
- Condoms can prevent infected bodily fluids from coming into contact with mucosal surfaces. They provide a high level of protection against discharge diseases for uninfected male and female partners.
8
Q
STIs – Genital Ulcer Disease
A
- Infectious agent present in sores and ulcers or may shed into secretions
- Transmitted via contact of infected lesions or infected secretions with partner’s skin & mucosal surfaces
- Condoms can prevent contact between infected and uninfected skin & mucosal surfaces. Sores or infected cells may be present outside of the area protected by the condom, therefore they provide less protection against genital ulcer disease.
9
Q
Barriers to Maximum Effectiveness (condoms)
A
Slippage and breakage
- Failure to use consistently
- Cultural norms, religious beliefs or traditions
10
Q
Personal Prevention Measures Against Vector-borne Disease
A
- Main protective measure: limit contact between human and vector;
- Avoid areas infested with vector or avoid time of day or year when vectors are actively circulating;
- Manage home environment so conditions are not conducive to vector survival;
- Physical Barriers: Screens on windows and doors; Protective clothing; Bed nets (untreated).
- Chemical Barriers:
- Repellent – Agent used to deter pest activity while not causing harm or injury
- Toxicant – Agent used to intentionally kill or impair target species
- Chemoprophylaxis: Drugs taken to prevent disease. Utilized among travelers in high-transmission areas
11
Q
Community Prevention Measures (5)
A
Sanitation
Water Safety
Isolation
Quarantine
Case Finding & Contact Tracing
12
Q
Sanitation
A
- The safe and hygienic separation of human or animal excreta (feces or urine) from water sources or further human contact.
- Involves the collection, storage, treatment, disposal and reuse or recycling of excreta.
- Involves the drainage, disposal, recycling and reuse of wastewater, storm water, and solid waste.
- Extremely cost effective.
- Health benefits are well documented.
13
Q
Water Safety
A
- Involves interventions at the source of the water supply or distribution system.
- Physically removing pathogens (i.e., filtration, adsorption, sedimentation)
- Chemically treating water, commonly with chlorine
- Disinfecting water with heat or ultraviolet radiation
- Safe water can also be achieved by creating protected sources (e.g., springs and wells) which are free from contaminants.
- Must consider:
- Quantity available
- Distance from household
- Reliability
- Cost
- User ability to operate, maintain, manage supply
14
Q
Isolation
A
Separation of infected and sick individuals from healthy individuals.
Duration depends on availability of treatment
Few hours-days: if curative therapy available
Few days – weeks: if isolation for duration of infectious period is needed
15
Q
Quarantine
A
- Separation or restriction of movement of well individuals who may have been exposed to an infectious disease to see if they become sick.
- Duration depends on available information and prevention measures:
- Few hours-days: f tests available to determine if individual is infected and preventive therapy or vaccination can be administered
- Few days-weeks:if quarantine for duration of incubation period is needed
- Traditionally involved sequestration of individuals in their homes or a quarantine facility.
- Modern quarantine could involve:
- Home curfew
- Restriction on assembly of groups (e.g., church assembly)
- Cancellation of public events (e.g., sports events)
- Closure of public places (e.g., schools, theaters)
