Infection Control in the Elderly
Infection control in the elderly can be difficult in long term care facilities. Viruses such as Influenza A and B, Para influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Calicivirus, Adenovirus, and Rhinovirus are some of the more common microorganisms reported by the CDC that cause outbreaks in long-term care facilities. Along with these viruses are the bacteria microorganisms such as MRSA, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haempphilus influenza and Salmonella ssp. just to name a few. These viruses and bacteria can cause serious illness or even death in the elderly. The elderly often have compromised immune systems and are susceptible to many disease causing microorganisms. Infection control in elder care facilities is essential for the patients, staff, families, and visitors.
Often family, visitors or healthcare workers unknowingly bring deadly bacteria, viruses, and parasites with them when they visit or care for the patients. Sneezing, coughing, movement, and even breathing can distribute unwanted germs to unsuspecting patients.
What is the number one prevention technique for infection control? Washing hands! Proper hand washing is very important in the infection control process but it is not the only protocol that should be strictly followed to significantly reduce the spreading of germs. Cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces is another very important procedure to adhere to in reducing the spread of germs. Viruses, bacteria and volatile organic compounds are airborne and can be carried throughout a facility by the air conditioning ducts. Too often what we don’t see can hurt patients, employees, and visitors the most. Therefore proper air purification and filtration is essential for infection control in elder care facilities.
Several air purification or filtration systems are available; however which ones destroy bacteria and viruses? Photocatalytic Oxidation is the recognized technology that does destroy microorganisms. It is the technology that has been proven to be more effective than UV light alone. Waldyslaw Jan Kowalski’s book Aerobiological Engineering Handbook pp.299-300 figures 14.4, 14.5 and 14.6 verify the effectiveness of photocatalytic oxidation. Zandair products use this technology in their air purification/filtration equipment. Browse through our outstanding line of products and see which one is right for your facility. Let us help make your facility a safer, cleaner environment for your patients, employees and visitors. Contact us or one of our distributors to answer questions or concerns you may have.