Controlling infections

Infections are caused by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is impossible to avoid them as they are in the air we breathe, every surface we touch and the food we eat.

Infections from food

Bacteria in food can lead to food poisoning and in some cases this can be deadly. There are more than 200 known diseases that are transmitted through food and the most common types of bacteria to cause infection are campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and salmonella. You can get food poisoning:

• from eating food that has not been cooked properly so that the bacteria have not been destroyed
• by eating food that has been contaminated because someone did not wash the food, or their hands, properly before handling the food

Close contact with others

We also pick up harmful bacteria and viruses through skin-to-skin contact with other humans or animals. These may include dangerous strains such as hepatitis B, HIV or herpes, as well as common skin organisms such as staphylococcus. Other infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV can be passed on through transmission of body fluids during sexual contact.

Healthcare-associated infections

Healthcare-associated infections such as MRSA (or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and C.diff (or clostridium difficile), are infections that can be picked up during a stay in hospital.

Patients are particularly vulnerable to infection because their immune systems tend to have been weakened by disease. 

What can I do to avoid infection?

It is not possible to avoid all infections, but there are some measures you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

• washing your hands regularly (this is also vital to reduce the chance of passing on an infection to others)
• keeping your immune system strong by following a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and getting plenty of resting
• storing food carefully and cooking it properly
• practising safe sex and getting screened for sexually transmitted infections regularly
• keeping away from identifiable high-risk situations, so avoid friends with flu and be extra vigilant while in hospitals

CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT

The CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT campaign aims to raise awareness of the need for good respiratory hygiene and to encourage correct coughing and sneezing etiquette.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, dispose of the tissue as soon as possible and clean your hands as soon you can. These are important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs.

Disposing of tissues correctly and washing hands can help prevent the spread of the common cold and the more serious flu virus.

The messages of CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT  are simple: 

• CATCH IT. Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze
• BIN IT. Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible
• KILL IT. Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.