Last week was Infection Prevention Week - pls don't ask me why i know, if you don't already know, then I can't tell you either, so don't ask. These are the few things I'd picked up (pun unintended):
- 40% of inpatients die after acquiring infections in hospitals
- 2 types of "bugs" - bacteria and fungi
- generally, bacteria is spread thru water and fungi thru air
- when they colonise a healthy immune system, usually no illness; the immuno-deficient are the ones that fall sick
Proper hand hygiene actually significantly reduces the spread of infections. What's proper? Always use soap (any type) and warm water. Rub hands for at least 15 seconds. How long is 15 seconds? 2x Happy Birthday song OR 1x alphabet song - YES, it's that long. Why 15 seconds? We want the soap to breakdown the oils on your skin, which fungi and bacteria adhere to, and the water washes them down the sewage, so the next time you pick food up or rub your eyes, the bugs don't get into your body. Simple logic right? Protect yourself, protect others. Clean Hands Save Lifes.
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