Preventing infections protects you, your family, and our community. At Cape Fear Valley Health, we follow proven infection prevention and control practices to reduce the spread of germs in hospitals, clinics, and homes. This guide explains how infections spread, who is most at risk, and the everyday steps you can take to stay healthy through effective infection prevention and infection control.
Overview of Infection Prevention
Infection prevention uses evidence-based actions to stop germs from entering the body or spreading to others. These measures reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve recovery. In healthcare settings, infection control safeguards both patients and staff; at home, infection prevention helps limit common illnesses and protect vulnerable family members.
Germs spread through several routes:
- Contact: touching contaminated skin or surfaces
- Droplet: coughs and sneezes that travel short distances
- Airborne: tiny particles that remain suspended in the air
- Vector: insects such as mosquitoes or ticks
- Fomites: objects like phones, doorknobs, or medical equipment
Higher-risk groups include adults over 65, infants, pregnant people, those with chronic conditions (such as diabetes or lung disease), people with weakened immune systems, and anyone with wounds, catheters, or IV lines. Consistent hand hygiene, staying up to date on vaccines, and proper device care significantly lower the chance of serious infection and rehospitalization. Our infection prevention and control team provides education and monitoring to support these steps across care settings.
Practical Prevention Measures
Hand hygiene is the most important step. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, before eating, after coughing or sneezing, before and after wound care, and whenever hands are visibly soiled. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when hands are not visibly dirty. In our facilities, we stock hospital-grade alcohol rubs and antimicrobial soaps that meet national standards as part of our infection prevention program.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps block germs. Patients and visitors may be asked to wear a mask if they have respiratory symptoms or are entering certain rooms. Gloves and gowns may be provided when contact precautions are in place. Put PPE on before entering the room, remove it before leaving, dispose of it in designated bins, and perform hand hygiene after removal. These infection control steps help prevent transmission between rooms and caregivers.
Keep environments clean by disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily and after illness. Launder soiled linens in hot water, and handle wound dressings with clean hands and fresh supplies. For personal medical devices (thermometers, glucose meters, nebulizers), follow manufacturer instructions, clean between uses, and never share. At home, bag used dressings and gloves before discarding, and keep waste away from children and pets. These infection prevention and control practices reduce cross-contamination.
Vaccination, Antibiotics, and When to Seek Care
Vaccination is a cornerstone of infection prevention. Stay current with seasonal flu vaccines, COVID-19 boosters, and routine immunizations such as Tdap, shingles (for eligible adults), pneumococcal vaccines for those at risk, and childhood vaccines per schedule. Vaccines protect you and help create community immunity that shields high-risk individuals and supports systemwide infection control.
Antibiotic stewardship means using antibiotics only when needed, at the right dose and duration. Antibiotics do not treat viruses like colds or flu. Unnecessary use can cause side effects and antibiotic resistance. Do not share leftover antibiotics, complete prescribed courses, and if you are not improving or have side effects, talk with your clinician rather than stopping early. Smart stewardship strengthens infection prevention across the community.
Know the signs of infection: fever, chills, worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, new or increasing pain, redness or drainage from a wound, burning or pain with urination, unusual fatigue, or confusion in older adults. Seek urgent care or call 911 for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dehydration, confusion, or a rapidly spreading rash. For non-emergent concerns or guidance, contact your Cape Fear Valley provider or visit our urgent care locations for same-day evaluation. Our infection prevention and control specialists are here to support your care plan.