Infection Control At Home

The Comforts of Home... Keeping open wounds cov- Returning home ered will protect not only you, after a stay in the hospital but your family and friends can be just the breath of from infections. For more information fresh air you need. How- about infection preven- ever, there are some Practicing respiratory eti- tion and antibiotic re- things to keep in mind to quette can also protect your sistance, please visit keep you, your family, and the Centers for Disease entire household from infec- Control and Prevention caregivers safe, healthy, Many infections can be tions. Make sure you cover (CDC) website: and infection-free. passed on by sharing your coughs and sneezes commonly used items like with a tissue, or cough or https://www.cdc.gov/ sneeze into your sleeve. Al- hai/ wash cloths and towels, and even drinking glass- ways wash your hands thor- Or the APIC website: es. It’s important that you oughly afterward! have your own set of per- http://www.apic.org/ sonal items just for you. These practices are great prevention not only at home, but at work, the doctor’s of- fice, restaurants, and many Infections can be caused other places outside the by bacteria or viruses, home. You can help by en- and sometimes fungus. couraging others to cover Certain types of bacterial their coughs as well! infections are resistant to Questions? We’re common antibiotics, and happy to help! need special treatment and attention to avoid Contact us: spreading them around. WV Department of Health and Human Resources

Division of Infectious What Can We Do? Disease Epidemiology 350 Capitol Street If you have an infection caused by a bug member to always use being actively infected. Room 125 that’s resistant to antibiotics, or nearly any soap and water to wash This is called colonization, Charleston, WV 25301 other sort of germ, there are steps you can hands that are visibly and it could transition to take to keep the germs from spreading. dirty. infection if good preven- Phone: 304-558-5358 tion practices are not in Fax: 304-558-8736 The first step is reminding the entire house- Many people carry germs Website: http:// place. www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/ hold to practice good hand hygiene. Washing around with them without disease/HAI/Pages/ your hands with soap and water is the first For more tips and tools to default.aspx line of defense against any germ—bacteria, prevent the spread of virus, or fungus. germs and infection, please flip this page over. It is a good idea to keep hand sanitizer around the house as well. Make sure the bottle says it’s at least 70% alcohol! Hand sanitizer is good for a quick clean, but re- Infection Prevention Tips...

Do Not Share... Household Cleaning

These items are excellent vehicles for Be sure to always wear utility gloves germs. Make sure you do not share: when cleaning, and wash your hands after taking them off! Razors  Clean tubs, sinks, showers, and Toothbrushes countertops with a standard house- Enema equipment hold cleaning product.

Drinking glasses  Clean toilets with a standard house- hold cleaning product. Combs and hairbrushes  Mop floors at least once a week Towels and washcloths with a standard floor cleaner. Pour mop water down the toilet, not the Forks, spoons, knives, or cups during sink. meals  Clean the inside of the refrigerator Any medical supplies weekly with a standard household cleaning product. Contaminated Wastes

Before you begin, put on disposable gloves! Laundry

Place all sharps into a puncture resistant If laundry is visibly soiled: container (an empty bleach bottle or laundry detergent bottle will work): Put on disposable gloves, and dis- pose of any body substances. Flush Needles Razor blades liquid and semi-liquid substances down the toilet. Broken glass Lancets

Never recap a needle! Don’t shake soiled linens!

Learn local rules for waste disposal: Con- If fabrics are severely soiled, presoak tact your local health or sanitation de- them in a standard laundry deter- partment. gent. Dispose of presoaking water down the toilet. Place contaminated wastes in a plastic bag, and close tightly: Wash clothes, linens, and/or towels that have been visibly soiled sepa- Dressings Sanitary or incontinence pads rately from the rest of the house- Diapers Gloves used in patient care hold’s laundry.

Flush liquid and semi-liquid substances down the toilet:

Blood Vomit Used facial tissues Urine Feces

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water before and after you perform any medical task, such as giving medication, changing a dressing, or helping someone take a bath or shower or use the toilet. Wash your hands each time before you put on, and after you take off disposable gloves. Good hand hygiene is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection in your home and in your com- munity. Never touch any body substance with your bare hands—but if it should happen, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.