Infection Control

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. © CDC

Watch this video to learn about the long-term health effects that can be associated with COVID-19 including lung-related diseases, severe exhaustion and autoimmune conditions.

Watch this video to learn the importance of washing your hands often to prevent the spread of infections in your community.

Watch this video to understand the difference between isolation and quarantine if you're exposed to COVID-19.

Watch this video to remember to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of illness.

Someone in your household has a COVID-19 infection. You're worried it could spread to you or other family members. Let's learn how to clean your home and lower your risk of infection.

You're not feeling well. You're worried you may be infected with the COVID-19 virus. But what are the signs? Here's what to look for.

The COVID-19 virus emerged in China in 2019. Since then, it spread around the world. But how is this possible? Let's learn about how this virus spreads.

Watch this video to learn the difference between COVID-19, cold, flu and allergy symptoms.

Watch this video to learn what a weakened immune system is and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick.

Watch this video to learn what a ventilator is and how it is used to save patients' lives.

Watch this video to learn the importance of wearing a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19, how to choose a mask, and the proper way to wear it.

Since late 2019, the COVID-19 virus has become a worldwide pandemic. We all want to avoid this dangerous virus. Let's look at some simple ways to lower your risk of infection.

Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent getting or spreading germs. This video shows you what to do.

Here are the steps to correctly wash your hands.

Here are the steps for changing a wound dressing.

Here are the steps for putting on sterile gloves.

Here are the steps for removing sterile gloves.

Here are the steps for using a hand sanitizer to clean your hands.

Watch this video to learn simple strategies to protect yourself from getting and spreading infections during your hospital stay.

Watch this video to learn how personal protective equipment can protect you from infections.

This video will show how personal protective equipment can help protect against infection while visiting others in the hospital.

Learn how to wash your hands correctly and completely.

A hospital is a great place to get well. But it's also a place where you can get sick. That's because a lot of germs can live in a hospital. Let's learn how you can stay safe.

Watch this video to learn how to properly wash your hands to fight off an infection.

One of the best ways you can keep from getting sick is to wash your hands often. Proper hand washing keeps harmful germs you've touched from getting into your eyes, nose and mouth. And, it keeps you from spreading harmful germs to others.

Watch this video to learn how to properly use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of germs and protect your family from getting sick.

Watch this video to understand the common signs and symptoms of infections, and the treatment methods often used to heal them.

Watch this video to learn simple strategies to help prevent the spread of germs and infection during your at-home recovery.

Watch this video to learn about how using an Incentive Spirometer exercises your lungs after surgery, helps to prevent infections and improves lung function.

Watch this video to learn how to prevent the spread of germs and how to recognize the signs of infection while recovering from surgery.

Bloodstream Infections can be a life-threatening complication during a hospital stay. Patients are an important part of the teamwork necessary for prevention. Learn how infections in the bloodstream occur and what can patients can do to help prevent them.

If you're having surgery, you need to know about a possible complication called "postoperative pneumonia." It's a lung infection some patients get at the hospital, or at home while recovering. It can be deadly.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is caused by a type of staph bacteria that's become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections. Learn more about MRSA and simple steps you can take to protect yourself or a loved one.

A ventilator can be a lifesaving machine that helps patients who cannot breathe on their own, but conditions requiring ventilator use can also increase a patient's chance of getting an infection. This program will talk about the risk of infections that may occur with ventilator use as well as the steps healthcare personnel should take to prevent such infections.

A MRSA infection is caused by the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Because this bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, preventing an infection is important. You can avoid a MRSA infection by following these guidelines.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci, or VRE, is a resistant bacteria that can sometimes cause infections of the urinary tract, the bloodstream or wounds. This program will explain some simple things patients can do to protect themselves from VRE.

Every year in the United States, more people die from healthcare-associated infections than from breast cancer, car accidents and AIDS combined. Proper hand cleansing by everyone who comes in contact with a patient can lower the risk of getting a deadly infection.

A clean and sanitized hospital room is critical for preventing the spread of infection. Learn what to expect from the visit of an Environmental Services Professional who cleans and disinfects your room. Patients will also discover what they and their families can do to assist in keeping their environment clean and safe.

After surgery, it's very important to guard against infection, especially at the site of the incision, or surgical wound. This program will teach patients signs of infection to watch out for and what they can do to help prevent infection after surgery.

Infection prevention is no game. In Speak Up™ to Prevent Infection, Diego takes simple but critical steps to protect himself and his grandmother from harmful infections.

C. difficile is an infection from bacteria that can grow in your digestive tract and cause symptoms, such as severe diarrhea and even hospitalization. Watch this video to learn how to protect yourself against this infection.

Watch this video to learn simple tips to prevent an infection while in the hospital and at home including washing your hands and keeping your incision clean.

There's been a rapid rise in the emergence of bacteria that don't respond to traditional antibiotics. This makes bacterial infections a serious threat. This program will describe signs that an antibiotic may not be working as well as steps your healthcare providers can take to help prevent the development of resistance to antibiotics.

An IV delivers fluids and medicine to the body. Unfortunately, they can also result in a serious infection if not maintained properly. Health care professionals, patients and their families must all work together to prevent these dangerous conditions.

Watch this program to learn about the flu virus, the importance of getting vaccinated, and treatment options.

Watch this video to learn about how healthcare providers treat Sepsis and the long recovery process.

Watch this to learn about the symptoms of sepsis and how to prevent it.

Learn about the symptoms of sepsis so you can get help right away.

This is an infection of any part of your urinary system, which collects and removes urine. Most UTIs involve the urethra and bladder. But some UTIs involve the ureters and kidneys.

There is a strain of bacteria that can spread easily in hospitals and long-term care facilities. We call it 'staph'. That's short for "Staphylococcus aureus" bacteria. Antibiotics used to kill staph easily. But some types of staph have become resistant to antibiotics. They are hard to kill. If this bacteria infects you, it can cause all kinds of problems in your body. It can even kill you.

This is an intestinal infection. It's caused by a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile. We also call it "C. diff." It lives in the intestines of some people. For most who carry it, C. diff. doesn't cause problems. But it can spread to others, especially in places like hospitals and nursing homes. And when it infects someone new, it can grow out of control.

This infection is caused by a fungus known as Candida auris. We also call it "C. auris." It's an emerging threat around the world. It's spreading quickly, and it's very hard to fight with modern medicines.

This is a viral infection. It usually results in an itchy rash and mild sickness that lasts for five to 10 days. This virus spreads easily among children. In the past, contracting chickenpox was a routine part of childhood for most people. But a vaccine has made infections much less common.

You have itchy red bumps on your skin. And, you don't feel very good. The doctor says you have "chickenpox." Let's learn all about it.

This is a bacterial infection. It's caused by the cholera bacterium. It affects your digestive system. For some people, it causes severe diarrhea and other problems.

This is an illness of your intestines. It's caused by a tiny parasite that lives in water. The parasite is found all over the world. It's the most common cause of intestinal infection.

This is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can cause you to be mildly sick for weeks or months. But even after you feel better, the virus can stay inside your body. It can slowly harm your liver over many years.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis A virus is one of five that cause this disease. This video takes a closer look at hepatitis A—how it is spread and what you can do to prevent its transmission.

Hepatitis B is one of five virus types that cause hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is considered a sexually transmitted infection. This video takes an in-depth look at hepatitis B—how common it is, how it is spread, and what you can do to prevent its transmission.

The hepatitis C virus is another type of hepatitis virus that causes an inflammation of the liver. HCV is transmitted though exposure to infected blood or blood products. In this video, you'll find out more about how it's transmitted, what treatments are available, and what you can do to protect yourself from this disease.

This is a disease of your immune system. It begins as an infection by the human immunodeficiency virus, which we call "HIV." Over time, this virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. That's the syndrome we call "AIDS."

This common viral infection is sometimes called "the kissing disease." It can leave an infected person tired for weeks or months. Mononucleosis is most often seen in adolescents and in young adults.

This is an infectious disease commonly called "the flu." It targets your respiratory system. For some people, an influenza infection can be very serious.

If you've been diagnosed with HIV, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel confused and scared. But you can live a full and happy life with HIV. These tips can help.

If you've been dealing with lasting effects of Lyme disease, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. It can take a long time to identify your problem, and many people don't understand what you are going through. But with the right approach, you can manage this syndrome. Here are some things you should think about.

This is a serious disease. It's caused by a single-celled parasite that lives and multiplies in your liver and bloodstream. It feeds on your red blood cells, destroying them. Malaria can make you very sick.

This is a disease you get from a virus. Measles isn't common. That's because most of us are vaccinated as children. But when an unvaccinated person is exposed to it, they can be infected. They can spread it to others.

Mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease that affects the respiratory system, the liver, and the lymphatic system. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This video looks at who is at risk for this infection and typical symptoms to watch for.

This type of infection is caused by a strain of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Because of this, it is hard to treat. A MRSA infection can cause serious complications. It can be life-threatening.

This is a disease you get from a virus. Mumps isn't common. That's because most of us are vaccinated as children. But when an unvaccinated person is exposed to it, they can be infected. They can spread it to others.

This rare brain infection is caused by an amoeba. We call it Naegleria fowleri. It lives in sources of warm fresh water, like lakes and rivers. It can also live in the soil.

This is a serious, painful infection that can spread quickly through soft tissues. If it's not treated properly, you can die from it.

This is an infection caused by a parasite. It leads to swelling in your brain. Sleeping sickness can be very serious.

This disease, most commonly a problem among people who live in developing countries, is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord and kidneys. A full-blown, active case of tuberculosis can be deadly.

This is a bacterial infection. It's caused by the Salmonella typhi bacterium. It spreads easily between people.

This is an infection of the lining of your airways. It is highly contagious. It is most common in young children who have not been fully vaccinated and in people who have not received booster shots.

This is a viral infection. It is common in South America, and in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus that causes it is carried and spread by mosquitoes.

This viral infection is spread by mosquitoes. For most people, it's not serious or dangerous. You can get it and not even know you have it. But it can cause problems for a developing fetus. It can cause severe, permanent disabilities. It can be fatal.

This is a group of viruses that infect your respiratory tract. Most people will be infected with a coronavirus at least once in their lifetime. Usually, symptoms are mild or moderate, and may seem like those of a common cold. But some coronaviruses can be very dangerous.

Your loved one has a COVID-19 infection, and you're caring for them at home. Let's talk about how to do it safely.

Watch this video to learn what to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 including getting tested or what to do if you are caring for someone who is sick.

This infection is caused by the tapeworm parasite. When you are infected, one or more tapeworms live and grow inside you. They can live in your intestines, and they can spread to other parts of your body. An adult tapeworm may live in the intestines for decades.

This set of symptoms develops in some people infected with COVID-19. It happens when different parts of the body become inflamed. It may develop days or weeks after becoming infected. It can be life-threatening.

This is the name we give a large group of viruses that often spread by sexual activity. HPV infections are so common that almost everyone will get one soon after they become sexually active. Most infections aren't harmful and go away on their own. But some can lead to cancer.