Infection Control in Hospitals: Strategies for Containing Prevalent Diseases

Abstract

Infection control is a core component of healthcare in both the hospital and community. It is the policies and procedures used to minimize the risk of spreading infections and it involves a range of disciplines including epidemiology, microbiology, behaviour, human factors and risk management An infection occurs when a germ enters a person’s body and grows in its tissues. Infection control focuses on the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs, also known as nosocomial infections, can occur anywhere healthcare is delivered and affect patients, staff, and visitors. Most HAIs can be prevented with good infection control practices.