Pneumonia Guidelines
Pneumonia Guidelines That You Should Know
Pneumonia guidelines have been put into place by the center for disease control in order to help decrease its harmful effects on the American population. This illness can cause a lot of complications in health care settings and it is highly recommended that these guidelines be followed in order to decrease the negative effects that it can have on staff and patients alike.
First of all, pneumonia guidelines recommend that all healthcare staff become educated on pneumonia. They need to become educated on how it is contracted and how to control it is as well. In order to better understand these issues they will often be given training on the causes of pneumonia as well. All staff is expected to have this education and understanding when working with patients in the healthcare field.
One of the most important pneumonia guidelines related to decreasing the spread of pneumonia is to spend adequate time sterilizing and disinfecting materials and devices that are used within the healthcare facilities. Stem sterilization is highly recommended whenever it is possible. Also, if you need to rinse something that has already been sterilized, you are going to need to use sterile water to do this. That way you are not spreading any germs when you rinse it.
All staff is also expected to wash their hands with soap and water when you read through the pneumonia guidelines. This should be done every time that your hands are visibly dirty or they are covered with blood or other bodily fluids. If you have not touched anything that had blood, bodily fluids or mucus on it you can use an antibacterial hand sanitizer for your hands. Each specific healthcare facility will most likely have their own written policy related to when you should soap and water or sanitizer. These will be in accordance to the CDC guidelines.
You should always wear gloves when you are handling anything that had respiratory secretions on it. You will remove these gloves and wash your hands with soap and water before you go to take care of another patient. This is very important to remember when you are working to avoid spreading pneumonia. You need to remember to wash with soap and water once you remove your gloves even if you are not going to be caring for another patient. You do not want to touch workspaces or anything else if you have not washed your hands.
Pneumonia guidelines also strongly recommend that individuals who are at risk of contracting pneumonia become vaccinated against it. This may include babies or elderly individuals who may have a difficult time getting over pneumonia. This is a precaution that will most likely be recommended by or considered by your doctor if they feel it would be a benefit to you. He or she may also be able to help you understand the pros and cons of receiving the vaccine.
This condition can be deadly if it is not treated or if you are not strong enough to fight the infection. It may result in other complications as well. Therefore, precautions should be taken against it, even if you do not work in a healthcare facility. You should follow simple ways to fight disease such as washing your hands with soap and water. Be sure that you are covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands if you sneeze or blow your nose. These are all little things that we can do in order to remain healthy and keep others around us healthy at the same time. You can always talk to a doctor about other ways to fight infection and decrease the likelihood of getting pneumonia. It is better to be prepared rather than sick.