Answer:
iipwThere are many different germs and infections inside, outside, and around healthcare settings. Despite the variety of viruses and bacteria, germs spread from person to person through a common sequence of events. No matter the germ, there are 6 points at which the chain can be broken and a germ can be stopped from infecting others. The 6 points include: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, means of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. The way to stop germs from spreading is by interrupting the chain at any link.
Infectious agent is the pathogen (germ) that causes disease
Reservoir includes places in the environment where the pathogen lives, such as people, animals, and insects, medical equipment, and even soil or water
Portal of exit is the way the infectious agent leaves the reservoir (through open wounds, aerosols, or coughing, sneezing, and saliva)
Means of transmission are the ways the infectious agent can be passed on (direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation)
Portal of entry is the way the infectious agent can enter a new host (through broken skin, respiratory tract, mucous membranes or, for those in healthcare settings, catheters and lines)
The host is any carrier of an infection or someone at risk of infection.
Healthcare professionals and consumers can ‘break the chain’ by practicing proper hand hygiene, staying current on all recommended vaccines (including annual flu vaccines), covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and using antibiotics wisely to prevent antibiotic resistance. Play your part during IIPW:
