smittevern

Smittevern, or infection prevention, is the organized set of measures aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases within a population. Its objectives are to reduce transmission, prevent outbreaks, protect vulnerable groups, and maintain public health. Smittevern operates across health care, workplaces, schools, and communities, integrating surveillance, prevention, preparedness, and response.

Core activities include surveillance and notification of cases, vaccination programs, infection prevention and control in health care settings (such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and isolation procedures), screening and contact tracing when appropriate, and rapid outbreak investigation and management. Risk communication and public information are essential to maintain trust and promote protective behaviors. Environmental measures such as clean water, sanitation, and ventilation also contribute to smittevern. Legislation and guidelines provide a framework, while ethics, privacy, and equity considerations guide implementation.

In Norway, smittevern is coordinated by public health authorities such as the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet), the Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet), and municipal health services. They monitor disease trends, advise on vaccination policy, implement infection control in hospitals and long-term care facilities, and manage outbreak responses. Data collection and reporting are regulated by privacy laws. Internationally, smittevern aligns with guidance from the World Health Organization and with national and regional pandemic preparedness plans.

Effective smittevern reduces illness and death from infectious diseases and supports health system resilience, though it faces challenges such as asymptomatic transmission, vaccine hesitancy, antibiotic resistance, and resource constraints. Continuous investment in surveillance, vaccination, hygiene, and rapid response capacity is essential.