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Infection Prevention

You have the power to prevent infections

McKesson Medical-Surgical’s infection prevention program

Created by our clinical resource team, the UPrevent infection prevention and control program is a single source for building and enhancing your infection prevention program. We offer recommendations, guidelines and products for seven key infection prevention areas, collected from public and private sources. Access our team or resource library for additional content on preventing healthcare-associated infections.

What’s New in Infection Prevention?

Healthcare facilities at risk for antimicrobial-resistant fungus

See the CDC’s latest release on March 20 for up-to-date information on the Candida auris fungus, a rapidly-spreading fungus considered an emerging anitmicrobial resistance (AR) threat across the U.S.

View CDC press release

Know the signs of Norovirus

Norovirus is a serious illness, causing vomiting and diarrhea, and can infect people of all ages. Protect yourself and patients by:

Washing your hands carefully with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating food, using the restroom or changing diapers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.
Washing fruits and vegetables and cook food thoroughly before eating.
Not preparing food for others while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover from their illness.
Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces thoroughly.
Immediately cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based cleaner as directed on the product label.
Immediately removing and washing clothing or items that may be contaminated with vomit or fecal matter. Handle soiled items carefully. Wash laundry with detergent for the longest cycle time available and then machine dry.

Learn more about norovirus

How can we prevent infections? expand_more

It’s essential to break the chain of infection, which includes: 1) infectious agent, 2) reservoir, 3) portal of exit; 4) mode of transmission; 5) portal of entry; and 6) susceptible host.1

What is the most important step in preventing infections? expand_more

While many steps are vital, hand hygiene may be the most important. Washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water can eliminate multiple pathogens simultaneously.2

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? expand_more

Cleaning removes visible soil and other organic matter from objects and surfaces. Disinfecting eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on objects and surfaces. Both are important because it’s difficult to disinfect a dirty object or surface.3

What is each level of disinfection used for? expand_more

Low-level disinfectants are used for noncritical items that come in contact with skin, such as blood pressure cuffs. Intermediate-level disinfectants are used on items like stethoscopes, x-ray machines and bedside rails. High-level disinfection is used on items that come in contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin, such as endoscope probes.4

What are the 7 key areas of infection prevention? expand_more

Infection prevention involves 1) universal and standard precautions; 2) environmental cleaning and disinfection; 3) needles, syringes and sharps safety; 4) cleaning, decontamination and sterilization; 5) surgical site infection prevention; 6) preventing and managing respiratory illnesses, and; 7) enhancing infection prevention for specific care settings.5

How is norovirus spread? expand_more

Like other viruses, norovirus is spread from person to person. This can include having direct contact with a carrier, consuming contaminated food or beverages, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then putting your fingers in your mouth.

How severe can norovirus get? expand_more

Norovirus can cause extreme vomiting and diarrhea, as well as dehydration. It can even lead to death, especially among older adults.

How can I protect myself and my patients from norovirus? expand_more

Wash your hands often and well. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces thoroughly. Use precautions in preparing and handling food.

What is C. auris? expand_more

Candida auris (C. auris) is a fungus resistant to antifungal medicine. Although it’s not a threat to healthy people, it can be deadly for people who are very sick, have invasive medical devices or spend significant time in healthcare facilities.

Why worry about an antimicrobial-resistant fungus? expand_more

Since many cases are resistant to echinocandins, the treatment of choice, it’s much harder to stop the spread of the C. auris virus.

What kind of products can disinfect surfaces? expand_more

You can use a variety of wipes and sprays. Active ingredients depend on the level of disinfection that’s required.6,7

Where can I learn more about infection prevention and products and services that can help protect me, my staff and my patients? expand_more

Our UPrevent™ infection prevention and control program is a single source for building and enhancing your infection prevention program.

Our clinical resource team is here to help

Whether you have equestions about infection prevention best practices or you need product recommendations, reach out to our dedicated clinical team for support.

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Be advised that information contained herein is intended to serve as a useful reference for informational purposes only and is not complete clinical information. This information is intended for use only by competent healthcare professionals exercising judgment in providing care. McKesson cannot be held responsible for the continued currency of or for any errors or omissions in the information.

The product information contained in this document, including the product images and additional product materials, was collected from various supplier sources. All product claims and specifications are those of the product suppliers and have not been independently verified by McKesson Medical-Surgical or its affiliates (“McKesson”). McKesson is not responsible for errors or omissions in the product information. The properties of a product may change or be inaccurate following the posting or printing of the product information in the document, either in the print or online version. Caution should be exercised when using or purchasing any products from McKesson’s online or print documents by closely examining the product packaging and the labeling prior to use. Due to product changes, information listed in this document is subject to change without notice. This information is placed solely for your convenience in ordering and McKesson disclaims all responsibility for its completeness and accuracy, whether or not the inaccuracy or incompleteness is due to fault or error by McKesson.

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