Infection Control in the Home: Common sense helps

keep you healthy

Bacteria and viruses are all around us. They are responsible
for most infections, though fungi and parasites are less Glossary
common causes. Bacterial and viral organisms can be found in Fungi: plants (such as
soil, water, and food, on skin and in body fluids, and on pets molds, mushrooms or
and objects in our environment. Most are harmless. A small yeasts) that have no
number of bacteria and viruses are a risk to all people. Others flowers and that live on
are a risk only for certain people, including pregnant women, dead or decaying things
the very young or very old, or those whose immune (defence)
system does not work as well as it should. Taking certain Parasites: an animal
simple precautions greatly reduces the spread of these germs. or plant that lives in or
on another animal or
plant and gets food or
What’s the most important thing I can do? protection from it
Metabolic: the
Good handwashing is the single most important chemical processes by
measure for preventing infection in the home. Common which a plant or an
colds, diarrhea, and even meningitis are most often animal uses food,
passed from person to person through soiled hands. water, etc., to grow and
Wash hands with regular liquid or clean bar soap and heal and to make
warm water. Antibacterial soaps are not necessary in energy
the home.
Spore: a cell made by
some plants that is like
a seed and can produce
How does washing my hands keep me from a new plant
getting infections?

The web page for the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta describes five situations
where infection is often transmitted in the home. Germs can be passed from unclean
hands to food, often by someone who hasn’t washed hands after going to the
bathroom. Germs might also be transferred from an infant to the hands of a
caregiver when diapers are changed. Germs can pass from one food, such as
uncooked meat or poultry, to another food such as salad. This explains why food
handlers need to wash their hands well between touching different types of food.

Another effective way of transmitting infection involves touching your nose, mouth or
eyes and then touching somebody’s else’s hands before handwashing. Finally,
infection can be passed on when touching uncooked meat and poultry and then
tending to an infant or child before washing the hands. We constantly get germs on
our hands when we shake hands, handle uncooked food, and touch surfaces in our
environment. Often without thinking, we then transfer the germs from our hands into
our body by touching our eyes, nose or mouth.
Can I prevent infection by using good practices when preparing food?

Yes. It is very important to wash your hands with soap and water before, during, and
after food preparation. For example, if you have handled raw chicken you must wash
your hands before touching other foods, particularly foods that will not be cooked
before they are served. Keep raw meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood away from
ready-to-eat food. Never place cooked food on an unwashed plate used to hold food
before it was cooked. Cook foods thoroughly, particularly meat, fish, and poultry,
and serve immediately. Using a food thermometer to check the internal temperature
of meat or poultry is recommended.

Leftover foods should be stored in a refrigerator or freezer within two hours of

Can pets be a source of infection in the home?

Pets can be a source of infection. Proper care of your pet includes routine
immunization. This not only protects the health of your pet, but also that of your
family. A bite or scratch from a cat might also cause cat-scratch disease. Pets may
also be a source of tetanus. Tetanus spores are commonly found in the soil. Pets can
get these spores in their mouths after sniffing and eating things on the ground. If
you are bitten by a pet and are not up-to-date with your tetanus immunizations,
contact your health unit or see your family doctor for a booster shot. People are up-
to-date if they have received a series of three doses of tetanus vaccine with the most
recent dose or booster administered within the past five years.

Although rabies can be transmitted through a bite from an infected mammal, it can
be prevented in cats, dogs, and ferrets through immunization.

Salmonella bacteria cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Salmonellosis can
be caused by exposure to pets, particularly reptiles and exotic pets, as well as by
contaminated food sources. Good handwashing is necessary after handling any pet,
especially a reptile or exotic pet.

Can infections be transmitted in the home environment?

Infections are most commonly passed by people, but can be transmitted indirectly
from surfaces in the home. General good cleaning practices with routine household
detergent or disinfectants are recommended. Scrubbing helps physically remove
germs from surfaces through friction. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions when
using disinfectants such as bleach, Lysol™, Pine-Sol™ or Mr. Clean™. Never mix
bleach with any other cleaning product.
 Other good hygiene measures also reduce infection. Personal items such as
toothbrushes and razors should not be shared. Toys, particularly those handled by
infants and small children, should be washed or cleaned often. Syringes or needles
should be discarded safely. Before disposal, used needles must be secured in a
container that cannot be punctured. Used needles should never be placed directly in
a garbage bag.

Immunization prevents infections too

Vaccines have been developed to protect against most highly contagious human
infections such as measles. Most immunizations are provided as a series to infants
and young children. To protect against tetanus and diphtheria, periodic boosters are
recommended – even for adults.

Annual influenza immunizations or ‘flu shots’ are recommended for adults and
children with heart and lung conditions requiring routine medical care. These shots
are a good idea for anyone aged 65 and older, as well as those living in nursing
homes and lodges. They are also suggested for those with diabetes and other
metabolic disorders, changes in immune system, cancer, renal (kidney) disease or
anemia. Children and adolescents (six months to 18 years) who take ASA for
extended periods of time should receive influenza immunization. People travelling to
areas where influenza may be present should consider being immunized. With very
few exceptions, this immunization is safe and effective for anyone six months of age
and older.

We share our home with our families and those closest to us. Preventing infections in
the home is an important way to protect our own health and that of our loved ones.

Faculty of Foundational and Intercultural Studies (December, 2013). 13 Infection Control in the
Home. In BHCA 1101: Long Readings, pp. 60-62.