Infection Prevention and Control:
THE BUG STOPS HERE!

BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE

Moist, dripping wastes should be disposed of
in containers that are closable and red, or
marked "BIOHAZARD".

A common sense rule to use when disposing
of waste is that if you squeeze or compress
it, will it drip? If it will, dispose of it in a red
bag. If not, dispose of it in regular trash.

Used needles and sharps

Used needles and other sharps should be
discarded in sharps containers and not left
on bedside tables or beds.

MRSA, VRE, and C DIFF PRECAUSTIONS

Room placement of residents with active
MRSA, VRE, and C DIFF:

1. Place in a private room if at all possible.

2. If a private room is not an option, place a MRSA positive resident in a room
    with another MRSA positive person. The same rule applies to those residents
    with VRE and C DIFF.

3. Do not place a resident with MRSA in with one with VRE or C DIFF. Residents
    may only be cohorted if they have the same germ.

4. Residents with MRSA, VRE or C DIFF can go to the diningroom and other
    activities if their body substances and discharges are contained and they can
    wash their hands before leaving the room.

5. Residents with MRSA, VRE or C DIFF should have their own equipment like
    thermometers, dressing kits, etc., and disposable equipment should be used
    when possible. Follow the rules for disposing of biohazardous waste.

6. Respiratory MRSA - Mask and Gloves
    Skin/Wound MRSA - Gloves and Gowns
    MRSA in Stool/Urine - Gloves
    VRE/C DIFF Bedpans/Urinals - Gloves
    VRE/C DIFF Soiled Linens - Gowns and Gloves

7. Anything wet or gooey - Wear Gloves

8. If you have the potential to be splashed, sprayed or coughed/sneezed/spit on - add
    Gowns and Face protection.

9. Side rails, mattresses. bedside stands and other frequently touched surfaces of
    residents with MRSA, VRE or C DIFF should be cleaned and disinfected DAILY.
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REMEMBER THAT INFECTION CONTROL AND
PREVENTION IS EVERYONE'S JOB
DON'T TAKE CHANCES - FOLLOW THE RULES

HANDWASHING

Frequent and thorough handwashing is the best way
to stop infection. The sooner you wash your hands, the less likely you
are to spread infection.

HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS

1. Carefully remove gloves and other PPE before you wash . Follow
you facility's guidelines for dealing with jewelry.

2. Turn on the water. Use plenty of soap. Work up a good later - don't
just wipe, rub well. Friction makes the difference.

3. Clean your whole hand, under nails, between fingers, and up wrists.
Wash for at least 10 - 15 seconds ( CDC Guidelines).

4. Rinse hands well and let the water run off
fingertips, not up the wrists.

5. Use clean paper towels to dry hands well and use paper towels to
turn off faucets and open doors, so hands do not
become recontaminated.

REMEMBER THAT 90% OF INFECTIONS ARE SPREAD
ON THE HANDS OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS!