DOCSLIB.ORG

SMMC Infection Control Transmission-Based

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
SMMC Infection Control Transmission-Based Policies & Procedures Effective Date : 12/9/2019 Date of Review: 2/3/2020 110324.406 INFECTION CONTROL ISOLATION TRANSMISSION BASED PRECAUTIONS Copy of version 1.1 (approved and current) Last Approval or Controlled Copy ID 236083 2/3/2020 Periodic Review Completed New Physician Orientation Portal Location Next Periodic Review 04.2020 2/3/2022 Needed On or Before Organization St. Mary's Medical Center Effective Date 12/9/2019 Author hospital Comments for version 1.1 References were updated. Eliminated Addendum B regarding Re use of TB masks, this content already included in body of policy under Airborne Precautions. New review date. Approval and Periodic Review Signatures Type Description Date Version Performed By Notes Periodic Hospital 2/3/2020 1.1 Sarah Gonzalez review Administration Periodic Review 12/30/2019 1.1 Barbara Miller review Hospital Medical Recorded when document uploaded to Approval 12/15/2016 1.0 Administrator Epidemologist MediaLab Periodic Designated Medical Recorded when document uploaded to 12/15/2016 1.0 review Reviewer Epidemologist MediaLab Approvals and periodic reviews that occured before this document was added to the MediaLab Document Control system may not be listed. Version History Version Status Type Date Added Date Effective Date Retired 1.1 Approved and Current Minor revision 12/9/2019 12/9/2019 Indefinite 1.0 Retired First version in Document Control 4/24/2019 7/29/1998 12/9/2019 Prime Healthcare SMAMO - St Mary's Medical Center - Blue Springs, MO 64014 Approved and current. Effective starting 12/9/2019. 110324.406 (version 1.1) INFECTION CONTROL ISOLATION TRANSMISSION BASED PRECAUTIONS SM INFECTION CONTROL ISOLATION TRANSMISSION BASED PRECAUTIONS Summary: Transmission-based precautions (Isolations) are indicated for patients with suspect or confirmed communicable diseases or conditions, infections, or colonization with highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens for which additional measures beyond standard precautions are needed. Effective Date: 7/29/1998 Revision History: 12/15/2016, 12/14/14, 6/24/14, 12/3/13, 2/8/13, 12/17/09, 10/9/08, 6/7/07, 2/05, 11/04, 7/04 Reviewed Date: 11/25/2019,12/15/2016 Facilities: SMMC Approved By: CEO; Medical Epidemiologist Policy Impacts: All Patient Care Providers RATIONALE: Transmission-based precautions (or isolation) are used in conjunction with Hand Hygiene and Standard Precautions with infections or communicable diseases and other conditions for which additional precautions are indicated. Adherence to infection prevention and control precautions, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can minimize the risk for transmission of infections in the healthcare setting. KEY POINTS: EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS IS CRITICAL IN PREVENTING UNPROTECTED EXPOSURE OF PATIENTS, FAMILY, STAFF AND VISITORS. THEREFORE, PRECAUTIONS MUST BE IMPLEMENTED FOR PATIENTS WITH SUSPECT OR CONFIRMED INFECTIONS, DISEASES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THIS PROCEDURE. THE DECISION TO IMPLEMENT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED UNTIL CONFIRMATION OF THE DIAGNOSIS. A COMPLETE LIST OF DISEASES PUBLISHED BY THE CDC THAT REQUIRE ISOLATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE C-NET HOME PAGE LISTED AS “ISOLATION QUICK REFERENCE BY DISEASES A-Z”. I. TRANSMISSION: Contact transmission is the most significant and frequent mode of transmission of organisms in the healthcare setting and includes two types of contact transmission; 1. Direct contact (or person-to-person transmission): takes place when organisms are transmitted directly from the source (or infected person) to a susceptible host. Policy Reference: Prime Health Policies & Procedures Page 1 of 8 Controlled copy ID 236083. Printed on 4/3/2020 12:21 PM (EDT). Page 1 of 8 Approved and current. Effective starting 12/9/2019. 110324.406 (version 1.1) INFECTION CONTROL ISOLATION TRANSMISSION BASED PRECAUTIONS 2. Indirect contact transmission takes place when organisms are transmitted from a source (animate or inanimate) to a host by means of an inanimate object. For example: equipment used on one patient and then used on another patient without appropriate cleaning and disinfection. II. TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS In additional to Standard Precautions and hand hygiene some infections, diseases or conditions require additional precautions to minimize the risk of transmission. These additional precautions can include but are not limited to the use of gowns, gloves, masks, private room placement, or placement in a designated airborne isolation room (negative airflow room). 1. The categories of Transmission-based Precautions used at St. Mary’s Medical Center include: Contact, Special Contact, Droplet, Airborne. Transmission-based precautions can be combined for diseases with multiple routes of transmission. 2. Standard Precautions and the use of PPE (gowns, gloves, mask and eye covering) must continue to be observed in the setting of Transmission-based Precautions when exposure to blood or body fluids is a possibility. III. IMPLEMENTING TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS (ISOLATION) 1. The physician or the nurse who is first aware of, or SUSPECTS a communicable disease, infection, or condition must initiate Transmission-based Precautions as soon as possible. 2. Unit staff will submit a computer order to Central Services for an isolation cart. Isolation carts are pre-stocked with personal protective equipment a disposable stethoscope, digital thermometer and blood pressure cuff. Supplies also include signage and patient education materials 3. Isolation carts are placed outside the patient room. 4. Unit staff are responsible for monitoring and stocking isolation carts with supplies. 5. Dedicated equipment is preferred for patients in transmission-based precautions. If not, equipment/devices must be cleaned and disinfected prior to using on another patient. 6. An isolation sign will be posted outside the door. Examples Addendum A 7. A Physician and/or nurse should provide education regarding isolation precautions to the patient (and family when appropriate) and document. 8. Patients in transmission-based precautions should remain in their rooms unless medically necessary. 9. Isolation carts are sent back to Central Services for cleaning and restocking. 10. All personal protective equipment (except the N-95 Particulate Respirator-see specific IFU) are to be disposed of after each use (i.e. gowns are never to be re-used). IV. CONTACT PRECAUTIONS Diseases requiring Contact Precautions include, but are not limited to: patients with colonization or infection with multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs i.e., Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms, etc.) Multi-drug resistant gram negative organisms with only two drug classification susceptible per culture results, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for infants, young children & immunosuppressed patients (transplants) only, impetigo, lice, scabies, Herpes Zoster or shingles (however shingles in a Policy Reference: Prime Health Policies & Procedures Page 2 of 8 Controlled copy ID 236083. Printed on 4/3/2020 12:21 PM (EDT). Page 2 of 8 Approved and current. Effective starting 12/9/2019. 110324.406 (version 1.1) INFECTION CONTROL ISOLATION TRANSMISSION BASED PRECAUTIONS immunocompromised individual require Airborne & Contact Precautions until disseminated shingles ruled out), drainage not contained by dressings, or a patient who is mobile/ambulatory with uncontrolled diarrhea, blood, or other body fluids. 1. Personal Protective Equipment: When entering room gloves will be worn. Gown and gloves will be used for working with patients. 2. Gloves will be changed when moving from dirty to clean areas on the patient during care or suspected contamination. 3. Gloves must be removed and hand hygiene performed before leaving the patient's room. V. SPECIAL CONTACT PRECAUTIONS Diseases requiring Special Contact Precautions, include but are not limited to patients with potential Clostridium-difficile infections, infection or colonization with a multiple-multiple drug resistant (organisms resistant to all but one antibiotic class); 1. In general, special contact precautions will be maintained throughout the hospitalization for patients with C. difficile infection and multiple multiple resistant organisms. 2. Hand hygiene with soap and water is required for C. difficile. 3. Personal Protective Equipment: gown and gloves should be worn by all staff. Visitors are encouraged to do the same. 4. Gown and gloves will be removed prior to leaving room and hand hygiene performed with soap and water. VI. AIRBORNE PRECAUTIONS Diseases requiring Airborne Precautions include but are not limited to: suspect or confirmed active Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease, patients with a sputum specimen positive for AFB until Mycobacterium tuberculosis is ruled out. In addition, patients with suspect or confirmed measles, varicella (chickenpox), disseminated herpes zoster (shingles), SARS, Smallpox, hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola, Lassa, Marburg) require Airborne Precautions. MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) requires airborne and special contact. MERS requires gown, gloves, and eye protection. 1. Personal Protective Equipment requirements: a. All staff should wear an N-95 particulate respirator to enter the room. b. Employees are fit tested for the N-95 Particulate Respirator on hire and fit tested annually thereafter. c. Visitors and family will be instructed to wear the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Definition of a Person Under Investigation (PUI)
    Definition of a Person Under Investigation (PUI) Epidemiologic Risk (Exposure) & Clinical Features Close contact^ with a person that has laboratory-confirmed Asymptomatic§ COVID-19 OR Developed one or more of the following symptoms within 14 days of last exposure: • fever* • chills • rigors • myalgia Travel to locations on the KDHE Travel Related Quarantine Table • malaise https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/175/Travel-Exposure-Related- and • headache Isolation-Quaran • sore throat • lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing) • new olfactory and taste disorders • congestion or runny nose • nausea or vomiting • diarrhea without an alternate more likely diagnosis. One or more of the following symptoms: • fever* and • chills • rigors No source of exposure has been identified • myalgia • malaise • headache • sore throat • lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing) 1 | Page • new olfactory and taste disorders • congestion or runny nose • nausea or vomiting • diarrhea without an alternate more likely diagnosis. ^ You are a "close contact" if any of the following situations happened while you spent time with a person with COVID-19, even if they didn't have symptoms: • Were within 6 feet of the person for 10 consecutive minutes or more • Had contact with the person's respiratory secretions (for example, coughed or sneezed on; kissed; contact with a dirty tissue; shared a drinking glass, food, towels, or other personal items) • Live with the person or stayed overnight for at least one night in a house with the person. The chance of spreading the virus is greater the longer an infected person or persons are close to someone.
    [Show full text]
  • Hospice and COVID-19
    Hospice and COVID-19 For a profession whose mission is to help terminally ill patients plan their final days and guide them and their loved ones through the passage emotionally and spiritually, a global pandemic presented the ultimate challenge. ASPR TRACIE met with Sarah McSpadden, RN, MSN, MHA, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Elizabeth Hospice, to learn more about her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. HIGHLIGHT ASPR TRACIE Sarah, can you please tell us more about your work and the clients Related Resources you serve? COVID-19 Home-based Healthcare Sarah McSpadden (SM) and Hospice Resource Collection Our mission is to enhance the lives of those nearing the end of Engagement of Home Health life’s journey and to care for those who grieve. As a community- and Hospice Agencies in Medical based organization, we ensure that hospice care, palliative care, Surge Activities and bereavement support are available for all who face advanced Homecare and Hospice Topic serious illness. Our Elizabeth Supportive Medical Specialists provide Collection personalized medical care for adults and children who need palliative support. The Elizabeth Hospice is one of the few organizations across Medical Surge and the Role of the nation with a dedicated team specializing in perinatal and pediatric Home Health and Hospice Agencies hospice. Our comprehensive grief support program serves families from (Full Report) the community no matter how their person died or whether their person Hospice and Emergency was on service with us. Preparedness: Experiences from We were founded in 1978 when hospice was an all-volunteer program. the Field In 1982, there was a significant shift: hospice became Medicare- reimbursable and we could hire permanent staff.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidelines for Pharmacists and the Pharmacy Workforce
    UPDATED 14 JULY 2020 FIP HEALTH ADVISORY COVID-19: GUIDELINES FOR PHARMACISTS AND THE PHARMACY WORKFORCE INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL FEDERATION COVID-19: GUIDELINES FOR PHARMACISTS AND THE PHARMACY WORKFORCE FIP will update this interim guidance as more information becomes available. Table of contents Purpose of this document 2 Responsibilities and role of community pharmacy 2 Responsibilities and role of hospital pharmacy 4 Pharmacy activities 5 Pharmacy staff 5 Pharmacy operations and facilities: ensuring safety and continuity of service 5 Preventive measures 8 Use of masks: Recommendations for pharmacy staff and the public 9 Advice to the community 14 Recommendation for outpatient care 14 Patient isolation and referral 15 Home care for patients with suspected COVID-19 presenting with mild symptoms 15 Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in suspected human cases 15 Ensuring stock and access to key medicines, equipment and facilities 17 Cleaning and disinfection management 17 Infection control: other precautions 18 Infection control: hand washing and hand rubbing 19 How to prepare alcohol-based handrub formulations 19 Pharmacy as an information resource 19 Addressing travel concerns 20 Bibliography 21 ANNEX 1: List of key facilities, equipment, and personal protective equipment using during COVID-19 infections 24 ANNEX 2: Viability of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols and on different surfaces, and list of disinfectants for commonly contaminated objects 25 ANNEX 3: WHO guide to local production of handrub formulations 26 Validity 29 Acknowledgements 29 COVID-19 pandemic: Guidelines for pharmacists and the pharmacy workforce | Page 1 of 29 Purpose of this Since December 2019, an outbreak of a new human coronavirus has spread to many document countries, causing millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths.
    [Show full text]
  • Barrier Isolation Technology: a Labor-Efficient Alternative to Cleanrooms
    Barrier Isolation Technology: A Labor-Efficient Alternative To Cleanrooms Paul Mosko, MS. FASHP and Hank Rahe, BSIM, MSE Abstract - Barrier isolation technology has been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration for a number of years as a sage and effective way to process parenteral products aseptically. Pharmaceutical companies have shown that this method of processing increases the sterility assurance level of their products and reduces manufacturing costs. Hospital pharmacies in Europe have used this technology for more than 10 years as a means of product and personnel protection. In the United States, the technology is becoming accepted because of its capital cost effectiveness and because it increases safety during the preparation of cytotoxic compounds. Some pharmacists, however, have expressed concerns about the efficiency of such systems in the pharmacy setting. Using work measurement techniques, the authors tested a barrier isolator system at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. The results are presented here. Key Words - barrier/isolator technology: cleanrooms: parenteral drugs Hosp Pharm - 1999:34:834-838 Providing a facility for the manipulation of parenteral drugs within the pharmacy is a significant concern for health care organizations because of the costs, space requirements, and potential lack of flexibility this preparation often entails. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has focused on quality working conditions in health system pharmacies by upgrading the guidelines for cleanliness in prepatory work environments. (1) Some have interpreted these guidelines simply to mean laminar flow hoods or "cleanrooms," because these have been the conventional particulate-control technology for more than 40 years. (2) Some states have taken steps to upgrade the quality of the environment in which IV admixtures and cytotoxic compounds are prepared recognizing new technologies that can achieve this goal.
    [Show full text]
  • Body Substance Isolation PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
    CACC Standard 6A Body Substance Isolation AND UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS TRAINING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT • Blocks entry of an organism into the body – Gloves are most common • Make sure all first aid kits contain several pairs of vinyl, laytex, or Nitrile gloves • Protective eyewear, standard surgical masks, and/or respirators may be necessary • Mouth to barrier (breathing masks) are also recommended PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) • No case of disease transmission to a rescuer as a result of performing unprotected CPR in an infected victim has been documented (only 15 cases of infection reported in last 30 years!) . However, mouth to barrier devices are still strongly recommended! 1 CACC Training Aid 39-H-7 Last Modified 10 Oct 07 CACC Standard 6A UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS • Individuals infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or HIV may not show symptoms and may not even know they are infectious. • All human blood and body fluids should be considered infectious, and precautions should be taken to avoid contact. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS • The Body Substance Isolation (BSI) technique assumes that all body fluids are a potential risk. • Follow BSI procedures even when blood and/or body fluids are not visible UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS • Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves • Use absorbent barriers to soak up blood or other infectious materials • Clean the spill area with an appropriate disinfecting solution, such as bleach • Discard contaminated materials in an appropriate waste disposal container 2 CACC Training Aid 39-H-7 Last Modified 10 Oct
    [Show full text]
  • The Revised CDC Guidelines for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals: Implications for Pediatrics
    AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Hospital Care The Revised CDC Guidelines for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals: Implications for Pediatrics ABSTRACT. The Hospital Infection Control Practices timal performance of an expanded set of universal Advisory Committee of the US Centers for Disease Con- precautions, now called standard precautions, for the trol and Prevention and the National Center for Infec- care of all patients regardless of their diagnosis or tious Diseases have issued new isolation guidelines that presumed infection status, and pathogen and syn- replace earlier recommendations. Modifications of these drome-based precautions, termed transmission- guidelines for the care of hospitalized infants and chil- based precautions, for the care of patients who are dren should be considered specifically as they relate to glove use for routine diaper changing, private room iso- infected or colonized with pathogens spread through lation, and common use areas such as playrooms and airborne, droplet, or contact routes. schoolrooms. These new guidelines replace those pro- vided in the 1994 Red Book and have been incorporated STANDARD PRECAUTIONS into the 1997 Red Book. Standard precautions now apply to nonintact skin, mucous membranes, blood, all body fluids, secre- ABBREVIATION. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tions, and excretions except sweat, regardless of tion. whether or not they contain visible blood. These general methods of infection prevention are indi- hese new isolation guidelines developed by the cated for all patients and are designed to reduce the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory risk of transmission of microorganisms from both Committee of the US Centers for Disease Con- recognized and unrecognized sources of infection in T hospitals.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ethical Use of Medical Isolation – Not Solitary Confinement – to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission in Correctional Settings
    The Ethical Use of Medical Isolation – Not Solitary Confinement – to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission in Correctional Settings April 9, 2020 David Cloud, JD, MPH, Dallas Augustine, MA, Cyrus Ahalt, MPP, & Brie Williams, MD, MS What is covered in this brief This brief clarifies the differences between “medical isolation,” “quarantine,” and “solitary confinement,” and describes the services and benefits that corrections officials should provide to people who are separated for medical isolation or quarantine so that they are not subjected to punitive and traumatizing conditions of solitary confinement. It is intended to provide guidance to departments of correction, prison and jail residents, advocates, and other key stakeholders to help ensure that using medical isolation or quarantine to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities follow the highest standards of medical ethics. The distinction between “solitary confinement”, “medical isolation”, and “quarantine” • Solitary Confinement is the practice of isolating incarcerated people from the rest of the prison population while simultaneously imposing punitive measures such as major restrictions on visitors, phone calls, recreation and outdoor time, and access to personal property. • Quarantine is the practice of separating and restricting the movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease until results of a laboratory test confirm whether or not they have contracted the disease. These individuals may have been exposed to COVID- 19, for example, by spending prolonged time in close proximity to someone who has tested positive, or they may have early symptoms of a potential COVID-19 infection. • Medical Isolation is the practice of isolating incarcerated people from the rest of the prison population when they show signs or test positive for COVID-19 in order to stem the risk of COVID-19 transmission throughout the prison.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist to Prepare Physician Offices for COVID-19
    Checklist to Prepare Physician Offices for COVID-19 ASSUMPTION: Transmission will be primarily through exposure to respiratory droplets and direct contact with patients and their contaminated environments. Universal Early Preparation within six feet of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection. (See approved respirators). Provide training ☐ Educate staff and patients about changes they for staff on respirators to ensure fit and appropriate can expect to be implemented in the office use. during an outbreak or pandemic, and about ways to prepare themselves and their families. • Ensure adherence to standard precautions, including airborne precautions and use of eye protection. Assume that every patient is potentially infected or COVID-19 Education colonized with a pathogen that could be transmitted in • Educate staff about coronavirus disease 2019 a health care setting. (COVID-19), and why it is important to contain the • Implement mechanisms and policies that promptly outbreak. alert key facility staff including infection control, health • Educate staff on facility policies and practices care epidemiology, facility leadership, occupational to minimize chance of exposure to respiratory health, clinical laboratory, and frontline staff about pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that known suspected COVID-19 patients (i.e. PUI). Keep causes COVID-19. updated lists of staff and patients to identify those at risk in the event of an exposure. • Train and educate staff with job-or task-specific information on preventing transmission of infectious • Staff should follow the CDC guidelines collecting, agents, including refresher training. handling and testing clinical specimens from (PUIs for COVID-19. • Educate staff about COVID-19 evaluation and treatment. • Prepare for office staff illness, absences, and/or quarantine.
    [Show full text]
  • COVID-19/PUI Care Pathway and Patient Flow – NICU
    COVID-19/PUI Care Pathway and Patient Flow – NICU Definitions—Mothers/Infants: 1. COVID-19 POSITIVE: patient has a confirmed positive test for COVID-19 from Kaleida Health or Department of Health 2. COVID-19 PUI: patient is suspected of having COVID-19 because of symptomatology that is consistent with the illness, but confirmatory test result is not available (CDC symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html) 3. Procedural/OR rule out: patient has no symptoms, but was screened with test prior to a planned OR procedure or possible OR procedure (related to possible risk with intubation) and results are not available. Patients do not have to be in isolation and infants of mothers with this status are not considered PUIs except in the unlikely event that the test comes back positive Additional Definition—Infants: COVID-19 PUI: In addition to the definitions above, an infant is considered a PUI if their mother meets the criteria for 1 or 2 above. What do we do with the infant in this situation? • If mom was a COVID-19 PUI and her test comes back negative, infant is no longer a PUI • If mom was a COVID-19 PUI and her test comes back positive, infant should have a test sent after 24 hours of life to determine status going forward Updated 12/3/2020 **The guidelines that follow are for COVID-19 POSITIVE and COVID-19 PUI patients ONLY: Important Considerations: • This document should be implemented for a suspected Patient Under Investigation (PUI) or confirmed COVID-19 infection • During this outbreak, the disease may spread within healthcare settings when appropriate protective guidelines are not implemented and followed • These guidelines are in place across all disciplines and departments to ensure staff safety is maximized while caring for these patients • COVID-19 requires Airborne Strict Isolation protocols and PPE designated for that isolation status.
    [Show full text]
  • SELF CARE TIPS to GET THROUGH THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES: the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Likely Brought Many Changes to How You Live Your Life
    SELF CARE TIPS TO GET THROUGH THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES: The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life. You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen. Self-care strategies are good for your mental and physical health and can help you take charge of your life. Take care of your body and your mind and connect with others to benefit your mental health. Take Care of Your Body: Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress and anxiety. Participate in regular physical activity. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Find an activity that includes movement such as a walk. Get outside in an area that makes it easy to maintain distance from people — such as a nature trail or your own backyard. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Stick close to your typical schedule, even if you're staying at home. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. If you smoke tobacco or if you vape, you're already at higher risk of lung disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Isolation Precautions
    Isolation Precautions Chapter 11 Isolation Precautions Russell N. Olmsted Key Points Microorganisms causing healthcare-associated infections can be spread from infected or colo- nised patients to others, including patients, family, visitors, and healthcare workers. Standard Precautions/Routine Practices and Transmission-based/Additional precautions can re- duce risk and prevent transmission if they are applied properly and consistently. Standard precautions/ Routine Practices are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions except sweat, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain trans- missible infectious agents. These precautions apply to care of all patients, regardless of suspect- ed or confirmed infection status, in any setting in which healthcare is delivered. Transmission-based/Additional Precautions are used for patients with documented or suspected infection or colonisation with highly transmissible microorganisms which may not be fully pre- vented by Standard Precautions/Routine Practices. ©International Federation of Infection Control 1 IFIC Basic Concepts of Infection Control, 3rd edition, 2016 Background Transmission of infectious agents (microorganisms) within a healthcare setting requires three elements: a source (or reservoir) of infectious agents, a susceptible host with a portal of entry receptive to the agent, and a mode of transmission for the agent.1-3 One framework for understanding this complex relationship is the chain of infection (See Figure 11.1a), which has six links: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any one of the links in the chain will prevent infection from occurring (See Figure 11.1b). Isolation precautions are aimed at interrupting the con- nection – breaking the chain - of these elements to prevent transmission.
    [Show full text]
  • FAQ About COVID-19 for Health Care Providers
    FAQ About COVID-19 for Health Care Providers This document contains answers to common questions about COVID-19. For updated information and guidance on COVID-19, visit the provider webpages of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information on COVID-19 vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccine FAQs, visit the NYC Health Department’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers webpage. New or updated questions include: • What do NYC providers need to know about SARS-CoV-2 variants? • Can people become reinfected? • Where can I find information about long COVID, or post-COVID conditions? • Who should get tested for COVID-19? • How long must isolation and transmission-based precautions continue for people with COVID-19 who are hospitalized or reside in a nursing home, adult care facility or other congregate setting with vulnerable residents? • When can health care practitioners who had COVID-19 return to work? FAQ About COVID-19 for Health Care Providers ............................................................................ 1 Clinical Presentation and Risk For Severe COVID-19 ...................................................................... 2 Transmission ................................................................................................................................... 2 Clinical Management .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]