What procedures should health–care workers follow to prevent transmission in health–care settings?
Ans: Health–care workers should follow Universal Precautions. Universal Precautions are infection–control guidelines, developed to protect health workers and their patients from exposure to diseases spread by blood and certain body fluids. Universal Precautions include: • careful handling and disposal of ‘sharps‘(items that could cause cuts or puncture wounds, including needles, hypodermic needles, scalpel and other blades, knives, infusion sets, saws, broken glass, and nails) • hand–washing with soap and water before and after all procedures; • use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks and goggles when in direct contact with blood and other body fluids; • safe disposal of waste contaminated with blood or body fluids; • proper disinfection of instruments and other contaminated equipment and • proper handling of soiled linen. In addition, it is recommended that all health–care workers take precautions to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels and other sharp
