Infektionsverhütung

Infektionsverhütung, also known as infection prevention and control (IPC), is a set of practices and procedures designed to prevent the spread of infections. These measures are crucial in healthcare settings, but also apply to everyday life to protect public health. The core principles of Infektionsverhütung revolve around breaking the chain of infection. This chain typically involves an infectious agent, a reservoir where the agent lives, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry into a new host, and a susceptible host.

Key strategies employed in Infektionsverhütung include meticulous hand hygiene, which is considered the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of pathogens. This involves thorough washing of hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Another vital component is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, to create barriers between infectious agents and healthcare workers or patients. Proper sterilization and disinfection of medical equipment and environmental surfaces are also paramount to eliminate or reduce microbial contamination.

Furthermore, Infektionsverhütung encompasses practices like respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, safe injection practices, and the appropriate management of waste and laundry. In healthcare facilities, adherence to isolation precautions for patients with known or suspected infections is a critical aspect. Education and training of healthcare personnel on these principles are ongoing requirements. By implementing these multifaceted strategies, Infektionsverhütung aims to minimize the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protect vulnerable populations from infectious diseases.