{"id":3184,"date":"2021-10-16T12:32:39","date_gmt":"2021-10-16T12:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterloc.com\/blog\/?p=3184"},"modified":"2021-12-03T05:54:23","modified_gmt":"2021-12-03T05:54:23","slug":"international-infection-prevention-week-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sterloc.com\/blog\/international-infection-prevention-week-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"International Infection Prevention Week || Oct 17 – 23"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year\u2019s International Infection Prevention Week, IIPW 2021, happens from 17th October 2021 to 23rd October 2021. <\/p>\n

With an intention to \u201cMake your Intention Infection Prevention<\/i>,\u201d the day aims to raise \u201cawareness of the role infection prevention plays to improve patient safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two years in a row, the world is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

IIPW History<\/h5>\n

Established in 1986, the day week highlights the criticality and an all-time urgency of infection prevention. It is a part of the Infection Prevention and You<\/i><\/a><\/span> campaign started by the President of APIC Ronald Reagan. <\/p>\n

While appreciating the efforts and courage exhibited by infection preventionists (IPs) during the COVID peaks in 2020, this year, the IIPW is themed to emphasize the science behind infection prevention and encourage others to join hands in the fight.<\/p>\n

Chain of Infection<\/h5>\n

The growth and spread of infection go on in cycles. <\/p>\n

What are the infectious agents?<\/b><\/p>\n

The countless pathogens hanging around us, i.e., viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites.<\/p>\n

Who is most susceptible?<\/b><\/p>\n

Various factors determine our probability of catching infections, like age. For example, you are more likely to get sick if you have a weak immune system, or are diabetic, or suffering from any other chronic disease, or have sustained burns, etc.<\/p>\n

Where do these agents grow?<\/b><\/p>\n

These microorganisms survive happily in the human body, water, food, and unhygienic places.<\/p>\n

How do they enter the human body?<\/b><\/p>\n

The microscopic army of bacteria and viruses conveniently find their way into our bodies through damaged skin, digestive system, mucus membrane, or respiratory system. <\/p>\n

What is the mode of transportation to our bodies?<\/b><\/p>\n

The pathogens can enter our body either through contact with an infected person, through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes openly, or could be airborne. <\/p>\n

Thus, infection is nothing but the transmission of infection-causing germs from the outside environment into our bodies. <\/p>\n

Infection Prevention & Control<\/h5>\n

As per the World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO)<\/span>, \u201cInfection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach which prevents patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infection and as a result of antimicrobial resistance.\u201d <\/p>\n

Infection prevention and control is a global challenge, and measures need to be taken at individual, societal, national, and international levels.<\/p>\n