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Infection Control Week to begin Oct. 14
Posted 10/2/2007 Updated 10/2/2007
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by Tech. Sgt. Chamara Cantrell
21st Dental Squadron
10/2/2007 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Medical Group will take part in International Infection Control Week Oct. 14-20.
Infection Control Week emphasizes the importance of protecting patients and healthcare workers from infections acquired in healthcare settings.
"This is our opportunity to spread the word about preventing infections through giveaways and informational handouts for our community," said Capt. Wanda Edwards, officer in charge of the 21st MDG's Infection Control Department. The medical group serves Schriever and Peterson Air Force bases and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.
During Infection Control Week, the Infection Control Department will sponsor several activities designed to heighten public awareness of preventing infections in healthcare settings.
The 21st MDG has also implemented the "It's OK to Ask" hand hygiene program. Patients and their family members may ask their healthcare providers to wash or sanitize their hands before any direct contact.
Co-workers who are ill can pass these germs to others by coughing and sneezing. These germs can land and live on surfaces such as desks, telephones, keyboards and hands for two hours or more. Germs are most commonly passed by hand contact. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses to others.
Each year, approximately 1.7 million patients develop a hospital-associated infection, and an estimated 99,000 patients die as a direct or indirect result of such infections. In addition, 6 million healthcare workers in the United States are at risk for acquiring serious and potentially deadly infections such as hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus.
Healthcare workers, patients, and families can contribute to preventing the spread of infection by using the infection-control measures that are listed below.
-- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day, with soap and warm water and scrub for 15-20 seconds. Wash hands immediately after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or using the washroom. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer is a good option.
-- Cover your cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. Wash your hands. You can also cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
-- Stay home when you are sick. If you are not feeling well, stay home and take care of yourself. Consult a doctor if needed.
-- Clean your work area frequently. Clean your work area including telephones, keyboards and desk using disinfectant wipes. Increase disinfection practices when there is an increase of illness in the workplace.
-- Get your annual flu shot. Get an annual flumist vaccine or influenza shot before flu season begins.
-- Use antibiotics wisely. Antibiotics are not intended to be used to fight against viruses such as colds and the flu. Taking unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful. Antibiotics should be taken until completed as prescribed by your doctor to help prevent bacteria from developing a resistance to the antibiotic.
-- Adapt a healthy lifestyle. Be physically active, manage your stress and practice healthy eating habits. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the year will reduce your risk of becoming ill.
Editor's Note: Tech. Sgt. Chamara Cantrell is the NCOIC of the Infection Control Department for 21st MDG.
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