It is no secret that hospitals are full of germs. One could say that they are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. This is especially true for hospital workers, who come into contact with sick patients daily. It is therefore important for these workers to take precautions to prevent the transmission of germs to their children.
Here are six ways to do just that.
Disinfect surfaces
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs is to disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, countertops, and light switches. This will help to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present on these surfaces.
Additionally, you can use sanitizing stations that prevent the pathogenic transfer and spread of infection. According to Healthy Sole, recent studies have shown that using alcohol-based hand sanitisers or sanitizing stations throughout the hospital can reduce the risk of pathogen transfer by up to 70%. This UVC technology disinfects shoes from the bottom up to prevent the tracking of harmful bacteria and viruses and has been proven to be 99.9% effective against a variety of pathogens, including MRSA, MSSA, and influenza A.
And lately, with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) being a concern, it is more important than ever to disinfect surfaces and prevent the spread of these.
Wash your hands regularly
Another important way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands regularly, especially after coming into contact with sick patients. Be sure to use soap and water, and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitiser, but it is not as effective as soap and water. It is also important to avoid touching your face, as this can transfer germs from your hands to your nose, mouth, or eyes. If you must touch your face, be sure to wash your hands first.
You can also use disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces that you touch frequently, such as your keyboard, mouse, and phone.
Wear gloves and a mask
When working with sick patients, it is important to wear gloves and a mask to prevent the spread of germs. Be sure to dispose of these items properly after each use. It is also important to wash your hands after removing your gloves.
Additionally, if you are working in an area where there is a lot of dust, it is important to wear a mask to prevent inhaling any harmful particles, such as bacteria or viruses.
When possible, avoid close contact with sick patients. This means keeping a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters), and if you must be in close contact, be sure to wear a mask and gloves.
Avoid sharing personal items
You should avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, dishes, and utensils, with others to prevent the spread of germs. If you must share these items, be sure to disinfect them first.
Additionally, it is important to avoid sharing food and drinks with others. If you are feeling sick, it is best to avoid eating altogether.
There are also some items that you should never share, such as toothbrushes and razors. These items can harbour bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.
Get vaccinated
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease is to get vaccinated. This will help to protect you from diseases such as influenza, which can be especially dangerous for hospital workers. It is also important to encourage your children to get vaccinated, as this will help to protect them from diseases as well.
On the other hand, there are some diseases, such as COVID-19, for which there is not yet a vaccine. In these cases, it is even more important to take precautions to prevent the spread of disease.
Vaccines also help to protect those who are unable to get them, such as the elderly and young children. This is known as herd immunity.
Practice healthy habits
Finally, it is important to practice healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs. These include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can weaken your immune system.
When coming home from work, be sure to change into clean clothes and take a shower. This will help to remove any germs that you may have come into contact with during the day.
Of course, you should cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, and dispose of tissues properly.
Working in a hospital can be dangerous, as it exposes you to various germs and viruses. However, there are several ways that you can protect yourself and your children from getting sick. These include washing your hands regularly, wearing gloves and a mask when working with sick patients, avoiding close contact with others, and getting vaccinated.
Additionally, it is important to practice healthy habits such as eating well and getting enough sleep.
By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and your family safe from the spread of disease.
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