Infection Control

Infection control focuses on preventing the spread of infection or germs. The most common sources of germs are:

• on hands or other parts of the body;
• germs that have been coughed or sneezed into the air; or
• surfaces that may be contaminated with germs.

The most important thing we can all do to help prevent the spread of infections is to practice good hand hygiene.

Other things you can do to help prevent the spread of infection and stay healthy:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get vaccinated. Influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines can prevent some serious respiratory illnesses.
• Tell family members and visitors to stay home if they are ill or have had any symptoms.
• Do not let children play on your floor or bed.
• Ask people to wash or sanitize their hands as they enter and leave the room.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard it into a waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.

To learn more, please see Infection Prevention and Control.