The importance of infection control has increased in recent decades due to diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and diseases caused by drug-resistant pathogens. This program focuses on the basic principles of infection control.

Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing germs such as viruses and bacteria carried in the blood that can cause diseases like AIDS and hepatitis B. This program describes common bloodborne pathogens medical assistants should be concerned about, OSHA s Bloodborne Pathogens rule, and how to be protected using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Tuberculosis remains a widespread disease in much of the world with estimates that as much as one-third of the world's population carry the bacteria that causes TB. There are many challenges in the fight to control TB, including drug-resistant forms of the disease and the fact that many people in the U.S. remain unaware of the increasing number of infections.

Faced with dangerous bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B and C, and a rise in the number of multidrug - resistant organisms, preventing the spread of infections has never been more important for healthcare professionals working in all healthcare setting.

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are primarily the result of unnecessary and excessive antibiotic use and are associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality, increased length of hospital stays and rising costs of care. Therefore, it is prudent that the spread of these microorganisms be prevented.

Precautions have been developed by OSHA and the CDC to help prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. It is essential that all healthcare professionals be aware of and abide by these precautions. This third course in the five part series on Infection Control in Healthcare is designed to introduce and discuss these infection control policies.

Reducing the number of healthcare - associated infections (HAIs) is a complex issue and a number of government agencies and healthcare organizations have developed guidelines and standards to prevent the transmission of dangerous pathogens.

Safe practices have been developed by OSHA, the CDC and NIOSH to help prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. It is essential that all healthcare professionals be aware of and abide by these preventive practices. This is the fourth course in the five part series on Infection Control in Healthcare and is designed to introduce and discuss these infection control policies.

Controlling and preventing the spread of infection has always been a goal in any healthcare setting. But in recent decades challenges presented by dangerous bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B and C, and a rise in the number of multidrug-resistant organisms, has made reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) more important than ever for healthcare professionals working in all healthcare settings.

Controlling and preventing the spread of infection has always been a goal in any healthcare setting. But in recent decades challenges presented by dangerous bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B and C, and a rise in the number of multidrug-resistant organisms, has made reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) more important than ever for healthcare professionals working in all healthcare settings.

Controlling and preventing the spread of infection has always been a goal in any healthcare setting. But in recent decades challenges presented by dangerous bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B and C, and a rise in the number of multidrug-resistant organisms, has made reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) more important than ever for healthcare professionals working in all healthcare settings.

Controlling and preventing the spread of infection has always been a goal in any healthcare setting. But in recent decades challenges presented by dangerous bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B and C, and a rise in the number of multidrug-resistant organisms, has made reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) more important than ever for healthcare professionals working in all healthcare settings.

Because of frail health and a declining immune system, many elderly residents are more susceptible to infections for example, urinary tract infections or respiratory infections such as colds or pneumonia. Infection control practices as simple as hand washing can help prevent the spread of illnesses such as these.

Because they are in direct and constant contact with those they care for, techniques for infection control are critical skills for nursing assistants to master. Learning and practicing effective infection control skills will help the nursing assistant prevent the spread of microorganisms that can cause infectious diseases, and protect the health and safety of all those they care for, as well as co-workers and themselves.