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JCAHO launches national campaign to stop spread of infections

Infection Control Monitor, October 22, 2004

With a national shortage of flu vaccine, Americans can take appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill, says the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and several other healthcare organizations.

The JCAHO this week launched a national campaign to help people fight the spread of infection. Groups such as the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America also support the campaign.

The JCAHO urges Americans to take the following three easy steps to limit the spread of respiratory infections in healthcare settings and communities: 

Clean your hands: Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds after using the bathroom, taking out the trash, changing a diaper, or before handling food. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is an acceptable alternative. Americans should also not hesitate to ask their doctors, nurses, dentists or other caregivers whether they have cleaned their hands before rendering care. It is also important that your hands be clean when caring for a sick friend or family member at home.

Cover your mouth and nose: To stop the spread of infectious diseases through sneezes and coughs, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, your hands, or the crook of your elbow. Then, remember to wash your hands. Avoid close contact: A fever or symptoms of a contagious illness are clear signs to you or your child to stay at home and away from other people, either at work or at school. If you are sick and go to work or school, you place others at risk for getting sick as well.

Avoid close contact: A fever or symptoms of a contagious illness are clear signs to you or your child to stay at home and away from other people, either at work or at school. If you are sick and go to work or school, you place others at risk for getting sick as well.

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