C. difficile – A bacteria that forms spores and causes diarrhea, from moderate to severe. It can cause severe issue with the bowels. C. difficile can develop if a person has taken multiple courses of antibiotics, had a recent hospitalization. If someone has this, use of soap and water is needed to wash hands as alcohol hand sanitizers are not effective against this bacteria. Take antibiotics as prescribed by your physician when needed. If someone in your household is diagnosed with this bacteria, have them use a different bathroom. Cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom is needed. (Contact me with questions)
https://youtu.be/C4hMl9k8qYA
COVID-Sars-CoV-2 – This virus emerged in late 2019 and caused a worldwide pandemic. It is spread through droplets and contact with the virus. Symptoms vary from slight to severe. They could be high fever, loss of taste and sense of smell, body aches, respiratory (breathing) issues. Like influenza, the use of mask, good respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and vaccination will help reduce the risk of acquiring this pathogen.
C. auris – This yeast was first observed in Asia and found present in the USA back in 2009. It has slowly spread to many states and during the COVID pandemic, this also became a growing issue in the US. It primary affects the elderly. It is very resistant, difficult to diagnosis and treat. Good cleaning of the environment and good hand hygiene practices are needed.
https://youtu.be/JUmKIJof7DU
INFLUENZA – The virus that causes annual flu will change from year to year. Signs and symptoms are likely fever, body aches, headache and chills. During the recent pandemic rates of influenza were down because everyone was wearing a mask. This virus is spread via droplets so wearing a mask reduces the risk, good hand hygiene and cough etiquette (sneezing into your elbow or a Kleenex) is good. PS – don’t go to work if you are sick. Annual vaccination will help protect you from the circulating strain but does not guarantee that you won’t get it.
https://youtu.be/N88Dzu5k8Pc
MRSA - methicillin staph aureus
S. aureus is a bacteria that we all have present on our skin. Generally, your body should be able to fight off a small infection. MRSA is S. aureus that has become resistant to multiple antibiotics for several reason. This bacteria can cause infections of the skin, respiratory tract as well as the bloodstream and urinary tract. Good hand hygiene and cleaning/disinfecting of the environment will help to prevent the transfer of this bacteria.
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Germs spread from person to person through different modes of transmission. To prevent germs from infecting more people, we must break the chain of infection. No matter the germ, there are six points at which the chain can be broken and transmission can be minimized, reducing the risk of transmission. The six links include: types of germs, where germs live, how germs get out of the body and into the body, how germs are transferred, and potentially infect the next person.
There are key times for performing hand hygiene, the following recommendations with soap and water for anyone
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before eating
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after eating
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after going to the bathroom
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when your hands are visibly soiled
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after handling raw meats and fresh vegetables
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Hand sanitizers can be used after handling grocery carts, sneezing (unless visible soiling), greeting people with a hand shake. Use good common sense.
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For Healthcare workers the use of hand sanitizers is acceptable for the following:
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before touching a patient,
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before performing clean/aseptic procedures
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after body fluid exposure/risk
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after touching a patient
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after touching patient surroundings
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before and after the use of gloves
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With C. difficile, be sure to follow your facilities policies and procedures when soap and water is indicated