Infection Prevention Week

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Nurse Diane

Recently a friend of mine was moving a freezer with his son.  His son's finger got trapped between the wall and the freezer, causing him to suffer a severe cut and required stitches from the emergency room.   My friend was worried about the possibility of infection getting in the cut, afraid that his son was not concerned about the proper care of his injury.  I gave him instructions on how to clean the wound and change the dressing, and his finger is healing nicely.

The best way to prevent infection is cleaning.  This applies to wounds as well as preventing the spread of colds.  The number one way to prevent the spread of infections is proper hand washing.  Just using soap and water, and a little friction and cleaning the nail beds will prevent the spreading of germs.

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There has been some discussion that the use of Anti-bacterial soap will cause the mutation of germs that are resistant to these agents.  The growth of Super germs has been discussed in the media.  Science is constantly evolving to combat these organisms to continue to stop the spread of infections.

Some important things to remember are:

• Wash your hands with soap before and after handling food
• Wash your hands when you use the bathroom
• Wash after playing with animals
• Wash your hands after touching door knobs or grocery cart handles
• Cover your mouth when coughing
• Use a Kleenex or handkerchief for sneezing
• Keep hands away from your eyes and mouth
• Keep open wounds clean and covered.

I also encourage people in areas with small children or where groups of people gather, to use Lysol to kill germs, especially during the cold and flu season.

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This week is Infection Prevention week.  Remember to wash your hands, especially if you are ill, and do your part to prevent the spread of infection to others around you.

For more tips, visit this site:  http://iipw.site.apic.org/infection-prevention-and-you/

National Sarcodosis Awareness Day

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By Nurse Diane

In 1991 President George Bush issued a Proclamation declaring today as National Sarcodosis Day, here is an excerpt from that proclamation:

Sarcodosis, a disease that affects many of our fellow citizens and people around the world, remains shrouded in mystery. Skin-related symptoms of this chronic, multi-system disease were first recognized more than 100 years ago; however, the effects of Sarcodosis on other bodily organs were not observed until the first quarter of this century. Today researchers are still trying to learn more about the cause and the nature of this affliction. Sarcodosis can strike people of all races and of all ages, but, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, it is most common among black Americans who are between the ages of 20 and 40. While no cause has yet been identified, it is thought that heredity predisposes some individuals to the disease. Intensive research during the past decade has not only supported this belief but also enabled physicians to diagnose and to manage Sarcodosis more effectively.

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Today researchers at both the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute are leading studies on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Sarcodosis. On this occasion, we recognize their work and that of other concerned physicians and scientists throughout the United States. We also salute the victims of Sarcodosis who demonstrate great courage and determination in their efforts to cope with the disease; and we pay tribute to their family members and to other concerned Americans who are engaged in grass-roots efforts to promote awareness of Sarcodosis, as well as improved treatment and support for its victims.

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Sarcodosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues.  Some causes include:

• Extreme immune response to infection;
• High sensitivity to environmental factors;
• Genetic factors;
• age, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old;
• Affects women more than men; and or
• Can occur if you have a close relative who suffers from Sarcodosis

Symptoms include chest pains, dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, general feeling of malaise, fever, hair loss, rash, and headaches or seizures.

Sarcodosis can be diagnoses through a physical exam, chest x-rays and blood work.  Many with Sarcodosis are not seriously ill, and will get better without treatment on their own in about 3 years.  For more serious conditions, they may be treated with immunosuppressant drugs.

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Today is National Sarcodosis Awareness Day.  To learn more about it or how you can help, click on this site. http://www.inspire.com/groups/stop-sarcoidosis/discussion/national-sarcoidosis-awareness-day-august-29-2009/

Wash 'em Hands!

By Diane Forrest, RN

Wash Your Hands!!!!!  How many times have you heard your mother say that?  Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.  Washing your hands before or after eating or cooking meals is essential to prevent the spread of diseases such as e coli or the common cold.  I always had to laugh when I watched the television show Monk.  He was so paranoid about getting any type of disease or infection that he always used a hand wipe after touching anything.  This is a bit extreme and the constant use of antibacterial soaps could in fact be harmful and causing the growth of "Super bugs" that are becoming harder to kill with antibiotics.

Infections are spread by many ways.  These include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Touching food with dirty hands will also allow viruses or bacteria from the intestine to spread.
• Shaking hands with someone who has a cold or virus
• Body fluids, such as blood, saliva and semen, can contain the infecting organisms and transmission of such fluids, for example by injection or sexual contact, is important, particularly for viral infections.

Ways to prevent the spread of infections include:

• Wash your hands thoroughly (often one of the best ways to avoid catching a cold).
•  Shaking hands with someone who has a cold is risky, so avoid rubbing your eyes or nose afterwards.
• Food should be cooked or cooled down as quickly as possible.
• Vegetables and meat must be stored separately and prepared on separate chopping boards.
• Meat should preferably be served well-done.
• Remember that food with these invisible organisms does not necessarily smell bad.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

The hospital or health care setting is a breeding ground for infections.  One of the first things you are taught is how to protect yourself from becoming infected as well as transmitting infections.  You are instructed on sterile techniques, hand washing techniques and safety precautions.  In some areas of practice within the hospital you have to scrub your hands for 5 minutes using a betadine solution, scrub brush and a nail cleaner.  It is also a requirement to wash your hands before and after entering each room.  These days they have the cans of antibacterial foam outside each room, however I still prefer old fashion soap and water.

There are also eye shields, face masks and even infection control rooms or isolation rooms that have their own ventilation systems and you are required to put on gloves, gowns, masks and shoe covers to prevent the spread of infection.

This week is Infection Prevention Week.  You can do your part by washing your hands, cover your mouth if coughing or sneezing, if you have a fever, stay home oh...and did I mention wash your hands?