Infectious Disease & First Aid Hygiene

INFECTIOUS DISEASES are those diseases that cause infections to the human body, and in some cases are transmitted by contact or by cross-infection. Infection may be due to bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. The usual methods of communication are; direct contact (contact with an infected person), indirect contact (through faeces, air conditioning, or similar), or through a host (insects, worms).

Many deadly infectious diseases have been eradicated in Australia, but several, such as poliomyelitis (a virus), are again on the increase. Many are preventable by immunization. Some, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), have no cure or medical prevention. Examples of infectious diseases are:

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS. Throat infections, whooping cough, diphtheria, rheumatic fever, tuberculosis strains, cholera, staphylococcus infection, and some forms of meningitis.

VIRAL INFECTIONS. Measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, influenza, chicken pox, HIV, common cold, bronchitis.

PARASITIC INFECTIONS. Malaria, tapeworm, hookworm, itch mites, pubic and body lice.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS. Ringworm, tinea ('Athlete's Foot'), thrush.

The human body has natural defenses against infection, and remains immune to certain types. Immunity is usually achieved by previous exposure to a particular infection, with resultant chemical antibodies being produced. The blood contains leucocytes (white blood cells), which assist in the production of antibodies. The leucocytes and antibodies combat any infection which invades the body. Unfortunately, whilst the body responds quickly to infection, the initial defenses can be overwhelmed if the infectious agent is present in large numbers.  When this happens the casualty develops the disease caused by the invading organism.

It is at this stage that the body requires help in the form of medically prescribed antibiotics or similar drugs.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Advice that can be offered by the first aid provider are:

• care of the susceptible, i.e., the ill, the elderly, the very young
• care in nutrition and preparation of food
• maintenance of personal hygiene
• maintenance of sanitary standards
• avoid direct contact with infection
• avoid transmitting infection

Whilst there is little that the first aider can do to cure an infection, there is a great deal that you can do to limit the risk of infection, and to treat the symptoms of minor infections.  However, the first aid provider should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of the common diseases, and provide advice to the infected person to seek appropriate medical attention.

 

FIRST AID HYGIENE

It is important that first aid procedures be conducted with due regard for the danger of cross infection. Simple rules of personal hygiene and wearing gloves, if available, are sufficient to guard both the first aid provider and the casualty from contamination.

 

PRIOR TO TREATMENT

• wash hands with soap and water, or rinse with antiseptic
• ensure that hands are washed thoroughly between fingers and under nails
• always wear gloves if available
• take care not to touch any unclean object when wearing gloves or once hands are washed
• if possible, use a protective cloth over clothing
• cover any adjacent areas likely to produce infection

 

DURING TREATMENT

 

• use a face shield or mask with one-way-valve, if available, when doing active resuscitation
• use only clean bandages and dressings
• avoid coughing, breathing, or speaking over the wound
• avoid contact with body fluids
• avoid treating more than one casualty without washing hands and changing gloves

AFTER TREATMENT

• clean up both casualty and yourself
• clean up the immediate vicinity
• dispose of dressings, bandages, gloves and soiled clothing correctly by burning
• wash hands with soap and water thoroughly even if gloves were used

 

 

If possible - dispose of material contaminated by body fluids by burning or by a hazard disposal.