5 Precautions for Infection Control

We can all help prevent the spread of infections at home and elsewhere. As part of its Speak Up initiative, the Joint Commission, an organization that accredits healthcare providers, recommends 5 precautions to prevent the spread of colds, flu and other infectious diseases:

Clean your hands. Use soap and warm water, rubbing well for at least 15 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (It’s best to use sanitizer regularly only when infection is a danger, though). Clean your hands before touching or eating food and after you use the bathroom, change a diaper, are around someone sick, touch something dirty or play with a pet.
Make sure healthcare providers—including dentists—clean their hands and wear gloves. They should wear gloves any time they will touch an entry point of your body including your mouth, open wounds and private parts. Don’t hesitate to ask them if they have washed their hands or if they should be wearing gloves.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Throw the tissue away and then wash your hands. Cough into the bend of your elbow or into your hands. If you use your hands to cover your mouth, wash your hands right after.
If you are sick, avoid close contact. Stay away from other people, even in your physician’s waiting room if possible.
Make sure your vaccines are up to date (be sure to get a flu vaccine each year) and that your children receive their vaccines.

Protecting Your Baby from COVID-19

Babies under age 1 may be at higher risk for more severe illness from COVID-19 (the coronavirus). From avoiding close contact with people from outside of your household to regular hand washing before feeding and caring for your baby, here’s how you can help protect your little one from the virus.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.