Staying Healthy at School Communicable Disease and Infection Control
Steps Needed for Spread of Germs Excretion : germ comes out of infected person Transfer : germ is passed to well person Inoculation : germ reaches susceptible site in well person
How to Stop Germ Spread MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURE: Frequent hand washing!!!!!  Soap and water – ideally  for 15-20 seconds If no water  and no visible contamination on hands - 60% alcohol-based sanitizers
 
Stopping the Spread Set an example for students: Respiratory etiquette--cover  cough or sneeze with  tissue, discard, wash hands.  If no tissue, sneeze into arm! Limit hand contact with eyes, mouth,  and nose (prevent inoculation!)
Stopping the Spread Do not share food or drinks  Do not share personal  products ( makeup, combs, towels ) Good nutrition and adequate  sleep boost the immune system Exclusion of visibly ill persons -- fever or other signs of illness
Additional Control Measures Immunizations – annual flu shot,  keep other vaccines up-to-date. Recommended adult vaccines: Tdap,  Hepatitis A & B, Meningococcal,  Pneumococcal, MMR, & Zoster  (check PCP)
At-Risk Groups Certain people are at higher risk for catching germs or  complications  from infections.  Consult with PCP for advice: (e.g., persons of child-bearing age / pregnant, with cancer, or with conditions affecting the immune system).
Notification Privacy laws limit information shared with  schools  Cannot assume that we will know that a  child has a certain condition Assume all children are contagious Some people may want blood tests to verify immunity for childhood diseases (e.g., pregnant women)
Cleaning the Environment Buildings are  regularly  cleaned and  disinfected Additional disinfection beyond routine  cleaning not recommended. Germs are generally  on people  (impact of  environment is low)  SO practice excellent hand hygiene! Notify BSW if soap dispensers in rest  rooms are empty.
Is it Influenza or a Cold? Common; can become severe Mild to moderate; hacking cough Chest Discomfort, Cough Sometimes Common Sore Throat Sometimes Common Stuffy nose/sneezing Usual; at the start Never Extreme Exhaustion Usual; can last up to 2 -3 weeks Sometimes Fatigue, Weakness Usual; often severe Slight General Aches, Pains Common Rare Headache Usually; high; last 3-4 days Rare Fever Flu Cold Symptoms
Protect Yourself from Influenza! Prevention is Key ! Practice good hygiene : wash your  hands with soap and water Cover your mouth and nose : with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, or do it in your sleeve Stay home if you are sick  with flu- like symptoms. Get your seasonal flu shot –look  for BCPS clinics !
Resources www.cdc.gov www.baltimorecountymd.gov/health www.bcps.org/offices/sss/health
Bloodborne Pathogens Occupational Safety and   Health Administration (OSHA) established  the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Designed to protect employees from the risk  of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. BCPS identifies personnel whose job duties  may expose them to blood and other  potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
Bloodborne Diseases Bloodborne pathogens are  microorganisms carried by  blood & other body fluids. Hepatitis B, C, D and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the  most common of these diseases.
HIV The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)  attacks the  body’s immune system
HBV, HCV, HDV Hepatitis B , C and D viruses cause an  inflammation of the liver that can lead  to cirrhosis and cancer.
Transmission of  HIV and HBV,  HCV, HDV Most common routes of transmission include: - Unprotected sexual contact - Intravenous drug use - Maternal to newborn transmission Occupational transmission can occur
Blood and OPIM Body fluids that can transmit bloodborne  diseases are blood, body fluids with visible  blood, and other body fluids (OPIM)  rarely  found in the school setting (semen,  vaginal, synovial, cerebrospinal, peritoneal fluids). Urine, vomit, feces, and  saliva  are not  considered infectious for bloodborne diseases.
Exposure Control Plan OSHA required BCPS’ written program outlines  protective measures that will be taken  to minimize employee exposure to blood  and OPIM. Plan is available from the principal or designee (usually school nurse)
What is an Exposure?? An exposure means a specific contact  between blood and/or OPIM and mucous  membranes (eye, nose, mouth) or non-intact skin.
Examples of Exposures Bite that breaks skin Blood or OPIM enters  body via: - Cuts or abrasions - Puncture wounds - Splash into the mouth,  eyes, or nose - Non-intact skin
Universal Precautions All human blood and OPIM are considered infectious regardless of the  perceived status of the source individual. This method of infection control originated to reduce employees risk of  exposure to bloodborne diseases
Prevention Guidelines to protect employees  from exposure to all human blood  and OPIM include: -  Work practice controls  -  Personal protective equipment -  Engineering controls -  Hepatitis vaccine for identified employees
More Prevention - Promote self care for injuries. - Refer all injuries to school nurse. - Report possible exposures to    school nurse or supervisor. - Call building service worker to clean up  blood or body fluids. - Instruct students not to touch anyone’s blood and to get an adult if blood is present.
Hand washing !!! Wash hands with running water and soap  after using the restroom, contact with body  secretions, handling soiled linen and  equipment, and before & after eating. Always wash hands before and after glove  removal
Disposal of Waste Contaminated waste will be placed in  receptacles labeled biohazard. Puncture resistant biohazard  containers must be used for the  disposal of all sharps
Disposal of Waste Soiled clothing should be double bagged  and sent home. BCPS exposure control plan  designates  specific cleaning  methods and schedules by  building service personnel.
Personal Protective  Equipment (PPE) Gloves - will be worn when contact between blood/ body fluids & non-intact skin or mucous membranes is reasonably anticipated. - will be worn when handling soiled linen and contaminated waste - must be changed between tasks and individuals. - are available through the school nurse.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Hepatitis B is preventable with  vaccine. Three doses may be given free of  charge to employees with reasonably  anticipated occupational exposure to  blood or OPIM (Health Services) See school nurse if you think your job tasks put you at risk of coming in  contact with blood or OPIM.
Exposure Incident Management Immediate First Aid – if you think you have  an exposure.  Wash area with soap and water  ASAP - Flush mucous membrane areas with water - Report to health suite or supervisor. BCPS will provide post exposure evaluation and follow-up through approved centers.

Staying healthyatschool

  • 1.
    Staying Healthy atSchool Communicable Disease and Infection Control
  • 2.
    Steps Needed forSpread of Germs Excretion : germ comes out of infected person Transfer : germ is passed to well person Inoculation : germ reaches susceptible site in well person
  • 3.
    How to StopGerm Spread MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURE: Frequent hand washing!!!!! Soap and water – ideally for 15-20 seconds If no water and no visible contamination on hands - 60% alcohol-based sanitizers
  • 4.
  • 5.
    Stopping the SpreadSet an example for students: Respiratory etiquette--cover cough or sneeze with tissue, discard, wash hands. If no tissue, sneeze into arm! Limit hand contact with eyes, mouth, and nose (prevent inoculation!)
  • 6.
    Stopping the SpreadDo not share food or drinks Do not share personal products ( makeup, combs, towels ) Good nutrition and adequate sleep boost the immune system Exclusion of visibly ill persons -- fever or other signs of illness
  • 7.
    Additional Control MeasuresImmunizations – annual flu shot, keep other vaccines up-to-date. Recommended adult vaccines: Tdap, Hepatitis A & B, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, MMR, & Zoster (check PCP)
  • 8.
    At-Risk Groups Certainpeople are at higher risk for catching germs or complications from infections. Consult with PCP for advice: (e.g., persons of child-bearing age / pregnant, with cancer, or with conditions affecting the immune system).
  • 9.
    Notification Privacy lawslimit information shared with schools Cannot assume that we will know that a child has a certain condition Assume all children are contagious Some people may want blood tests to verify immunity for childhood diseases (e.g., pregnant women)
  • 10.
    Cleaning the EnvironmentBuildings are regularly cleaned and disinfected Additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning not recommended. Germs are generally on people (impact of environment is low) SO practice excellent hand hygiene! Notify BSW if soap dispensers in rest rooms are empty.
  • 11.
    Is it Influenzaor a Cold? Common; can become severe Mild to moderate; hacking cough Chest Discomfort, Cough Sometimes Common Sore Throat Sometimes Common Stuffy nose/sneezing Usual; at the start Never Extreme Exhaustion Usual; can last up to 2 -3 weeks Sometimes Fatigue, Weakness Usual; often severe Slight General Aches, Pains Common Rare Headache Usually; high; last 3-4 days Rare Fever Flu Cold Symptoms
  • 12.
    Protect Yourself fromInfluenza! Prevention is Key ! Practice good hygiene : wash your hands with soap and water Cover your mouth and nose : with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, or do it in your sleeve Stay home if you are sick with flu- like symptoms. Get your seasonal flu shot –look for BCPS clinics !
  • 13.
  • 14.
    Bloodborne Pathogens OccupationalSafety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Designed to protect employees from the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. BCPS identifies personnel whose job duties may expose them to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
  • 15.
    Bloodborne Diseases Bloodbornepathogens are microorganisms carried by blood & other body fluids. Hepatitis B, C, D and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the most common of these diseases.
  • 16.
    HIV The humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system
  • 17.
    HBV, HCV, HDVHepatitis B , C and D viruses cause an inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and cancer.
  • 18.
    Transmission of HIV and HBV, HCV, HDV Most common routes of transmission include: - Unprotected sexual contact - Intravenous drug use - Maternal to newborn transmission Occupational transmission can occur
  • 19.
    Blood and OPIMBody fluids that can transmit bloodborne diseases are blood, body fluids with visible blood, and other body fluids (OPIM) rarely found in the school setting (semen, vaginal, synovial, cerebrospinal, peritoneal fluids). Urine, vomit, feces, and saliva are not considered infectious for bloodborne diseases.
  • 20.
    Exposure Control PlanOSHA required BCPS’ written program outlines protective measures that will be taken to minimize employee exposure to blood and OPIM. Plan is available from the principal or designee (usually school nurse)
  • 21.
    What is anExposure?? An exposure means a specific contact between blood and/or OPIM and mucous membranes (eye, nose, mouth) or non-intact skin.
  • 22.
    Examples of ExposuresBite that breaks skin Blood or OPIM enters body via: - Cuts or abrasions - Puncture wounds - Splash into the mouth, eyes, or nose - Non-intact skin
  • 23.
    Universal Precautions Allhuman blood and OPIM are considered infectious regardless of the perceived status of the source individual. This method of infection control originated to reduce employees risk of exposure to bloodborne diseases
  • 24.
    Prevention Guidelines toprotect employees from exposure to all human blood and OPIM include: - Work practice controls - Personal protective equipment - Engineering controls - Hepatitis vaccine for identified employees
  • 25.
    More Prevention -Promote self care for injuries. - Refer all injuries to school nurse. - Report possible exposures to school nurse or supervisor. - Call building service worker to clean up blood or body fluids. - Instruct students not to touch anyone’s blood and to get an adult if blood is present.
  • 26.
    Hand washing !!!Wash hands with running water and soap after using the restroom, contact with body secretions, handling soiled linen and equipment, and before & after eating. Always wash hands before and after glove removal
  • 27.
    Disposal of WasteContaminated waste will be placed in receptacles labeled biohazard. Puncture resistant biohazard containers must be used for the disposal of all sharps
  • 28.
    Disposal of WasteSoiled clothing should be double bagged and sent home. BCPS exposure control plan designates specific cleaning methods and schedules by building service personnel.
  • 29.
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gloves - will be worn when contact between blood/ body fluids & non-intact skin or mucous membranes is reasonably anticipated. - will be worn when handling soiled linen and contaminated waste - must be changed between tasks and individuals. - are available through the school nurse.
  • 30.
    Hepatitis B VaccineHepatitis B is preventable with vaccine. Three doses may be given free of charge to employees with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or OPIM (Health Services) See school nurse if you think your job tasks put you at risk of coming in contact with blood or OPIM.
  • 31.
    Exposure Incident ManagementImmediate First Aid – if you think you have an exposure. Wash area with soap and water ASAP - Flush mucous membrane areas with water - Report to health suite or supervisor. BCPS will provide post exposure evaluation and follow-up through approved centers.