International Infection Prevention Week Published Oct. 20, 2008 By Ferdinand Blaine 96tth Medical Group Infection Control Officer EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 96th Medical Group will observe International Infection Prevention Week Oct. 19 to 25. While many of the activities during the week will focus on educating healthcare workers, infection control professionals stress this is a campaign in which everyone has a stake. Practices to aid in controlling the spread of infectious diseases continue to develop to keep pace with the evolution of viruses and bacteria. Many times these viruses and bacteria are innocently and unknowingly transferred from person to person via personal contact, inanimate objects or coughing/sneezing. Take the proper precautions and tell your healthcare provider and staff if you have any type of infectious disease, . There are steps everyone can take to limit the spread of infection. Hand washing, cleaning your environment, and timely vaccinations are huge in fending off illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, the number one defense against the spread of infection is proper hand hygiene. The following are guidelines to help ensure hands are sanitized properly. When using an alcohol-based hand rub: Apply product to the palm of one hand and rub hands together covering all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry Follow the manufacturer's recommendations with regard to the amount of the product to use When washing hands with soap and water: Wet hands with running water of a comfortable temperature Apply soap and thoroughly distribute over hands Vigorously rub hands together for 15 seconds Wash under nails and at least three inches above the wrist Rinse hands thoroughly with water flowing to remove residual soap Dry hands with a paper towel Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet Dispose of the paper towel properly In addition to hand washing, the infection control officer suggests incorporating the following practices as part of a healthy lifestyle. Cover sneezes and coughs Stay home when sick Clean work areas often Pack a healthy lunch Get an annual flu shot Use antibiotics as prescribed During International Infection Prevention Week, Eglin's healthcare professionals will shine a spotlight on the importance of reducing the risk of infection within the medical group while at the same time spreading the word to individuals about their role in infectious disease prevention. It's a quality of life issue. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the spread of infectious disease.