Infection Control Guidelines

Infection control guidelines (also known as routine practices) are safety measures. They keep you from getting infectious diseases through contact with a person’s blood or other body fluids. Infectious diseases like AIDS and hepatitis B are spread through contact with body fluids. These body fluids include blood, semen, vaginal fluids and others. Ask the doctor or nurse about all body fluids you need to avoid. Diseases can be passed through the eyes, nose and mouth or a break or cut in the skin.

Since you can’t always know what diseases a person may have, it is a good habit to always protect yourself. To do this: • Wash and dry your hands before and after caring for someone. • When washing your hands, wash with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. Dry them on a clean towel or paper towel. You may be asked to use a special soap. • Wear gloves when caring for someone when there is a chance of coming in contact with any body fluids. • Wash* and dry your hands after you take gloves off. • Wear a mask and goggles when there is a chance you may get fluids in your eyes or mouth.