What does infection prevention involve?

Infection prevention is primarily focused on controlling and preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings and the community. This involves implementing strategies and practices that minimize the risk of transmitting infectious agents from one individual to another. Key components of infection prevention include maintaining proper hygiene, utilizing personal protective equipment, following protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date.

By concentrating on controlling the spread of infections, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protect both patients and staff. Prevention strategies are proactive and encompass education about hygiene practices, the responsible use of antibiotics, and surveillance of infection outbreaks.

Other options like minimizing the need for medication or only treating existing infections do not fully encompass the proactive nature of infection prevention, which is about avoiding the spread of illness before it occurs. Neglecting hygiene practices contradicts the core principles of infection prevention, which emphasize maintaining cleanliness to protect everyone involved in patient care.