Outbreak! Flashcards
What is a healthcare associated infection?
An infection you might catch when getting healthcare in hospital, care homes or receiving care at home.
What are the most common types of infections in hospital?
Urine infections
Infections after operation
Skin infections
Sickness & diarrhoea
What is the timeframe for a HAI?
Acquired after being in healthcare >48 hrs
What is the definition of an outbreak?
2 or more cases of infection linked in time & space
Describe the chain of infection
Infectious agent Reservoir Portal of Exit Mode of Transmission Portal of Entry Susceptible Host
What are the different types of infectious agents?
Bacteria
Virus
Fungi
Prion
What are the different reservoirs of infection?
Humans Equipment Environment Food Animals
What is the portal of exit?
Blood & body fluids
Skin scales/ wound
Coughing & sneezing
What is the mode of transmission?
Direct or indirect
Inhalation
Ingestion of contaminated food
What are the portals of entry?
Skin/surgical wounds Eyes or mouth Respiratory tract Intestinal tract Tubes
What are the susceptible hosts for infection?
Underdeveloped immune system
Decreasing immune system
Drugs or diseases
Tubes
How can you break the chain of infection via transmission?
Isolation
Hand hygiene
PPE
Cleaning, disinfection
What are the 5 points of hand hygiene?
Before touching patient Before aseptic procedure After body fluid exposure After touching patient After touching patient surroundings
How can you break the chain of infection in susceptible host?
Immunization
Treatment of underlying disease
Patient education
What are some transmission based precautions (TBPs)?
Contact
Gloves
Apron