Infection Control Flashcards
What is infection control?
Infection control involves the prevention or minimization of cross infections
- Aseptic technique involves using procedures and equipment to minimize the transfer of microorganisms
- Aseptic technique underpins infection control measures
- Infections can be spread by direct contact, aerosol, or instrument/equipment
Recall routes for infection transmission
Recall the mechanism of droplet transmission.
Recall the basic reproduction number of infection.
Recall examples of infection control measures.
- Contain infection to patients
- Protect susceptible individuals
- Reduce contact between infected and susceptible individuals
- Reduce number of susceptible individuals
- Reduce days of infectivity in the population
Recall the epidemiology of COVID-19.
Recall the features of COVID-19 symptoms.
Recall the impact of underlying conditions of coronavirus deaths in China.
Recall the comparison of fatality and infection rate of COVID-19 with other viruses.
Describe the biology of SARS-CoV-2 Biology.
Coronaviruses, including COVID-19, are enveloped viruses
- A virus that has an outer wrapping or envelope. This envelope comes from the infected cell, or host, in a process called “budding off.” During the budding process, newly formed virus particles become “enveloped” or wrapped in an outer coat that is made from a small piece of the cell’s plasma membrane.
- Envelope contains proteins required for attachment and entry
- Lipid envelope => Susceptible to detergents and alcohols
Recall the transmission method of SARS-CoV-2.
How long does SARS-CoV-2 last on surfaces?
Highly dependent on:
- Temperature
- Moisture/humidity
- pH
- Type of surface(porous vs. non-porous)
- Initial amount of virus
- Density-dependent inactivation
- Amount of virus remaining to potentially transmit
Up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper and less than 24 hours on cardboard
Recall droplet and contact transmission precautions for COVID-19
Recall the concept of reducing infection transmission.
Recall precautions for COVID-19.
