INTERNATIONAL INFECTION PROTECTION WEEK

INTERNATIONAL INFECTION PROTECTION WEEK

International Infection Protection Week during the third week in October reminds everyone of the ways to prevent and fight the spread of infection. The week focuses on personal prevention as well as in public. The awareness campaign provides information for improving infection protection at home, in the community, and at medical facilities, too. No matter where we are, germs exist. They come in the form of bacteria and viruses. Preventing them from spreading an infection becomes a vital part of saving lives.

#InfectionProtectionWeek

Prevention is always our first line of defense when it comes to infection. And handwashing is one of the first steps toward prevention. We should always wash our hands:

1. After using the bathroom

2. Before and after preparing food

3. Before eating

4. After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

Another way to prevent infection is by getting the proper vaccinations. Vaccinations, or immunizations, prevent infections from bacteria or viruses from making us sick. In some cases, they can help us recover from an infection more quickly.

If you do become sick and the doctor prescribes antibiotics, it's essential to follow the doctor's instructions. Completing the complete course of antibiotics is vital to prevent a flare-up of the infection. Even if you begin to feel better after a few days of the antibiotics, stopping them before the complete course is finished may cause the next bout of the infection to be worse. Then, stronger antibiotics may be required, or they may be less effective.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InfectionProtectionWeek

Keep your immunizations up to date. Wash your hands. Stay home when you're sick. Follow your doctor's orders. Learn more about infection prevention at apic.org and share on social media using #InfectionProtectionWeek.

INTERNATIONAL INFECTION PREVENTION WEEK HISTORY

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the third week in October to be International Infection Protection Week as a way to improve awareness surrounding the spread of infection and save lives.