Short answer: break the chain of infection. Clean your hands at the right moments, wear PPE in the right order and keep the environment clean.
The chain of infection
Infection spreads through six links: agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry and susceptible host. Break any link and the chain stops.
Hand hygiene
Wash for at least 20 seconds. Use the WHO 5 moments: before touching a patient, before a clean procedure, after body-fluid risk, after touching a patient and after touching the patient’s surroundings.
PPE order
On: hand wash, gown, mask, goggles, gloves over the cuffs.
Off: gloves, goggles, gown, mask, hand wash. The most contaminated item comes off first.
Everyday habits
- Never reuse disposable gloves
- Do not touch the front of a used mask
- Segregate waste by colour code