Infection prevention for the general population

-Automatic translation

The environment contains millions of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Most microorganisms do not cause infections or other problems, but exceptions exist. This includes influenza viruses, noroviruses, bacteria such as salmonella and Clostridium difficile, and resistant bacteria such as MRSA.

Most people who get such infections recover quickly. Still, those who are very young or old or with chronic underlying diseases are more vulnerable than others and, therefore, are at increased risk. For such individuals, these infections may have serious consequences.

Prevention of infections is everyone's responsibility

The chain of infection (Icelandic) explains how infection can be transmitted between people and cause infection. Infection can spread through the body from one place to another and cause illness or from other people, the environment, food, or animals.

Humans can become infected if an infectious agent is carried through direct contact from one to the next, by breathing infective material in through their nose or mouth, or by swallowing infectious agents through food and drink. Infections can also be secondary to skin punctures, ulcers, or in-patient equipment such as urinary catheters.

The accompanying videos from the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) remind us how germs can spread from one person to another in everyday life.

The invisible challenge - within healthcare organisations
The invisible challenge - in the office and when shopping

Infection prophylaxis means breaking the chain of infections to prevent infection.

In everyday life, it can be done with simple actions:

• Hand cleaning

• Maintain hygiene when preparing food

• Use gloves and an apron when working with contaminated materials

• With quality cleaning of utensils and surroundings.

It is everyone's responsibility to take care of infection prevention to protect their health and that of others

Chapter 3, Act on Health Security and Communicable Diseases, urges everyone to take all precautions against communicable diseases and avoid infecting oneself or others as much as possible.