Consumers
Consumers play an important role in helping to prevent infections. After all, infection prevention is everyone’s business.
The following healthcare topics (formerly posted on APIC’s consumer website preventinfection.org) provide helpful tips and information for consumers on their role in stopping the transmission of infection. Sign up to receive monthly alerts from APIC about consumer-related infection topics.
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Prevent Infection: What you need to know about Clostridium difficile
4/20/2012
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is part of the normal bacteria found in some people’s intestines or colons. However, when you take an antibiotic, the levels of good bacteria are reduced down to a smaller number. This makes it possible for the C. diff to overpopulate your intestine or colon.
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Norovirus: How you can stay safe
3/16/2012
Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. It can make people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. Learn how to protect yourself and your family.
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Do the “WAVE” to help protect your loved ones from healthcare-associated infections
2/17/2012
The Office of Healthcare Quality and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Partnership for Patients have created the “WAVE” campaign to help caregivers protect their loved ones from healthcare-associated infections. The “WAVE” campaign directs patients and their family members to wash hands, ask questions, vaccinate and ensure safety.
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Three steps toward preventing infections during cancer treatment
1/1/2012
More than one million patients receive treatment for cancer in an outpatient oncology clinic every year. One of the most dangerous side effects of receiving chemotherapy is a reduction in the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body. Infections are a major cause of hospitalization and death among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
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Preventing the flu depends on you
12/1/2011
Influenza (flu) activity in the United States is currently low, making this the perfect time to learn more about influenza and how it can be prevented. December 4 – 10 is National Hand Washing Awareness Week and National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). NIVW is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.
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Antibiotic Awareness 101
11/1/2011
In commemoration of “Get Smart about Antibiotics Week,” November 14-20, PreventInfection.org is providing you with useful information about the appropriate use of antibiotics. Be part of the solution!
If you developed a serious infection, such as pneumonia or sepsis (bloodstream infection), prior to 1942, chances are you might not have survived. -
Listeria Infection and IIPW
10/1/2011
October 16-22, 2011 marks the 25th Anniversary of International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW). Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from 3M Health Care, IIPW brings attention to the importance of infection prevention and commemorates the important work of infection preventionists, dedicated experts who partner with your healthcare team, using proven methods to ensure that you stay safe from healthcare-associated infections during your visit.
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Prevent Infections by Keeping Your Environment Clean
9/1/2011
Keeping your environment clean -- whether at home, work, school or the hospital -- is an important way to prevent infection. Dangerous germs can take up residence anywhere. By keeping them to a minimum, you will reduce your chances of developing an infection and improve your health.
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Meningococcal Disease: What You Need to Know
8/1/2011
Meningococcal disease is a very serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children ages 2 through 18 in the United States. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord.
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Mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and You
7/1/2011
The “Fight the Bite” campaign championed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has one focus – to eliminate or radically reduce diseases in humans that are carried by mosquitoes. One of those diseases is West Nile Virus (abbreviated WNV), which was first recognized in the United States in 1999. Since then, a lot has been learned about this virus which is thought to have originated in Africa, west Asia and Europe.
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Infection Prevention and You
6/1/2011
Who are "infection preventionists?" Infection preventionists are among the many experts who help to protect you from healthcare-associated infections. They work in many healthcare settings.
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Don't Let Bugs--Invisible or Visible--Ruin Your Summer Vacation!
5/1/2011
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer when millions of families and friends plan to take a summer vacation. Despite soaring gas prices, and an economy that is far from recovered, a recent survey by Home Away Inc. found that the majority of Americans still plan to travel. Most will vacation in the United States but about one out of 10 will venture abroad, despite energy costs and the weak dollar.
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Five Important Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child
4/1/2011
You want to do what is best for your children. You know about the importance of car seats, baby gates and other ways to keep them safe. But, did you know that one of the best ways to protect your children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?
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Tuberculosis: Considerations for an old threat
3/1/2011
Tubercuolosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs, but may spread to other organs. In the United States, there are approximately 10 cases of TB per 100,000 people. However, rates vary dramatically by area of residence and socioeconomic status.
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You Never Outgrow Vaccines
2/1/2011
Vaccine-preventable diseases haven't gone away. The truth is, the viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to people who are not protected by vaccines.
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Pertussis
1/1/2011
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a serious respiratory illness characterized by an infectious cough. Although most of us were vaccinated against it as children, our ability to fight it off weakens, leaving us once again susceptible as adults. Pertussis is very contagious and can be quite serious, especially for infants less than one year of age.
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Cold and Influenza
12/1/2010
Every year, colds and flu spread across the country from person to person and family to family. This month, PI.org offers information on the difference between colds and flu and how to guard your health this season.
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Responsible Use of Antibiotics
11/1/2010
Antibiotics are precious, just as our lives are precious. To protect our lives we must use antibiotics wisely.
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Holidays and Foodborne Illness
10/1/2010
During the holiday season, we gather with friends and family for pot lucks, parties, catered events and celebrations in our homes and in restaurants. It is important to take steps to avoid food poisoning through the proper handling and preparation of food both during the holidays and throughout the year.
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Infection Prevention Outside the Hospital
9/1/2010
We know that hospital rooms can harbor germs that can cause serious infections, especially for elderly or immunocompromised patients. But did you know that germs and infections live everywhere, even out in the community? As the "family infection preventionist," understand the risks and take action in preventing the spread of community infections. We all play a part in keeping loved ones safe and cared for at home and while eating out.
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What is Lyme Disease?
8/1/2010
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can result from the bite of an infected deer tick. It was first described in 1977 and got its name from a case that occurred in Lyme, CT. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the number of reported cases has gradually risen since 1994. Infected ticks are found mainly in the Northeast, upper Midwest and along the Northwest coast. This infection, if left untreated, can affect the heart, muscles, joints, and nervous system. The good news is that most people who are bitten by a tick will not develop Lyme disease (less than 1%).
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Workplace Infection Prevention
7/1/2010
Most Americans work outside the home. Whether in an office or in a more non-traditional setting, we come into contact with many different individuals and multiple potential reservoirs for the transmission of infection. So what can we do on a routine basis to protect our health and the overall health of our working environment?
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Infection Prevention While Traveling
5/1/2010
Before Your Trip... Talk With Your Doctor about how to stay healthy while traveling, discussing any concerns about how your health could be impacted by the planned trip.
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Molds
4/1/2010
Molds are one of two groups of fungi (the other group is yeast) that live in the outdoors or can live indoors. Molds grow in wet, damp and humid conditions; they reproduce by making tiny spores. The spores are not visible to the naked eye, and they can float in the air. Mold spores serve a function similar to that of seeds in plants; they germinate and grow into new mold under conditions of moisture, the right temperature and availability of food. Spores can also survive in incompatible conditions for periods of time.
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Infection Prevention in the Home
3/1/2010
A fresh start... As we emerge from the long winter, so too do many of the germs tracked inside from our snow boots, pets' feet and hibernating AC units. Although spring cleaning can be a major undertaking, maintaining an infection-free, healthy home is worth the time and energy you will spend. Spring cleaning reinforces our commitment to keep germs out of the home and stop infectious diseases from spreading in the warm months ahead. Below are helpful tips and reminders from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) on essential home areas to clean, and how to best tackle these high-risk germ havens. -
Listeria
2/1/2010
In 2008 in Canada an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in contaminated food products infected 57 people with 22 confirmed deaths. While Listeria is considered rare as a food borne pathogen, it is capable of causing severe illness and, in certain high risk individuals, death.
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Caring for Family Members with Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu
1/1/2010
National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10-16, 2010) is an opportunity to remind the public that vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and the importance of continuing influenza vaccination after the holiday season and beyond. This flu season could be worse than usual with more people getting sick. The good news is that most people can be cared for at home and will feel better in about a week. As we approach the mid-point of flu season, APIC offers these tips on how to create a sick room in your home (adapted from material published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
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Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)
11/1/2009
A surgical site infection is one that occurs following surgery, around the site of the surgical incision. While SSIs are uncommon, they occur in about 1%-3% of every 100 surgery patients.
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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
10/1/2009
October 18-24, 2009 is International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW). IIPW is an annual event to raise awareness about the importance of infection prevention and what consumers can do to guard against infections. As H1N1 influenza continues to spread and more people become infected with the virus, APIC's message for IIPW 2009 focuses on how consumers can stay healthy during this flu season.
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Keeping Your Hospital Room Clean
9/1/2009
Hospital rooms can harbor germs that can cause serious infections, especially for elderly patients, those with weakened immune systems and those who have undergone surgery or who have catheters or tubes inserted in the body. National Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week (September 13-19, 2009) is an opportunity to remind patients what an important role they can play in reducing the risk of infection transmission by keeping their hospital room as clean as possible.
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Head Lice
8/1/2009
It's back-to-school time, and while many parents worry about their children contracting the novel H1N1 virus sometimes called swine flu at school or camp, there are plenty of other annoying bugs being shared, such as head lice.
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Clostridium difficile
7/1/2009
Clostridium difficile, the life-threatening bacterium that causes diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions, is sickening many more patients than previously estimated, according to a 2008 study released by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
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Hepatitis and Dialysis
6/1/2009
In recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month APIC presents information on these infections, why patients undergoing dialysis are more susceptible and what dialysis patients can do to protect themselves from hepatitis and other infections.
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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
5/1/2009
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs that carry the Type A influenza (H1N1) virus. Cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been reported in the U.S. and in other countries. The virus is contagious and can spread from person to person.
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Reduce Your Risk of Infection Before an Ambulatory Procedure
4/1/2009
Outpatient or ambulatory healthcare clinics are facilities that provide surgery and diagnostic services outside of the hospital. Commonly performed outpatient procedures include endoscopy/colonoscopy, hemodialysis, cataract surgery, ear/nose/throat procedures, gynecological procedures, gall bladder removal, kidney/bladder procedures, arthroscopic/orthopedic procedures and hernia operations.
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Keeping Loved Ones Safe From Infection in Healthcare Facilities
3/1/2009
Visitors to a healthcare facility play an important role in guarding patient safety. To commemorate Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 8-14), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) offers simple tips to be a good visitor. Learn more at www.preventinfection.org.
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Norovirus
2/1/2009
Norovirus refers to a group of viruses that are a common cause of the "stomach flu" or gastroenteritis in the United States. This virus is highly contagious and fast moving. It is found in the stool or vomit of infected people and contaminated surfaces that have been touched by ill people. People can become infected if they touch contaminated items and then touch their mouths. Contaminated food and water are also a source of transmission.
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Pertussis
1/1/2009
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a potentially deadly infection that can strike at any age, but is particularly dangerous for babies. The disease, once quite common prior to the introduction of a vaccine some 40 years ago, is making a comeback. For the past 40 years, routine childhood immunization has been successful in preventing the disease.
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"Hand Hygiene Saves Lives" DVD
9/1/2008
This month, PreventInfection.org focuses its attention on a new DVD being shown in hospital waiting rooms across the nation that empowers patients to speak up about hand hygiene while in a healthcare facility.
