Infection Control

Learn different ways to manage stress and improve your wellbeing while dealing with the COVID-19 virus outbreak and understand ways you can limit your risk of infection. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Learn about coronavirus (COVID-19) and its symptoms, how it spreads, how to prevent it from spreading, and how it is treated. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn how to use Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) disposable cloths to prevent infection.

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.

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.

Veterans Health Administration provides education to all patients on protecting themselves from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other infections while in the hospital. To achieve the best results in preventing patients from contracting MRSA, it is important that the patient take an active role in his or her own care. Watch this program to learn more about the prevention and treatment of MRSA.

In Part 2, you will learn more about the prevention and treatment of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

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.

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.

VRE are germs that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Normally, VRE does not cause infections in healthy people. But in some cases, VRE can spread and cause infection. Here's what you need to know.

Salmonella is an illness that affects your intestines. It's caused by Salmonella bacteria. You can be infected from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Here's what you should know.

E. coli is a common bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless. But certain types are harmful and can cause severe illness directly or by making toxins. Read on to learn more.

Infections caused by ESBL usually affect the urinary tract and gut (intestine). They can also infect wounds and the blood.

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to not get bitten by a tick. Here's what you need to know about prevention, and what to do if you have a tick.

The best prevention is to not have contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Personal hygiene is about keeping your body clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene can make you less likely to become sick. It also helps you look and feel your best.

Colds are caused by viruses. They can't be cured with antibiotics. But you can ease symptoms and help your body's efforts to heal itself. Read on for details.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacteria. It is spread from person to person through the air. Read about how to help prevent TB from spreading.

Certain infections can spread from person to person. Read this sheet to better understand how this happens in the hospital.

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. Learn about how the infection is spread, as well as treatment and prevention.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is caused by a virus. It usually spreads when a person comes in contact with droplets from coughs or sneezes of someone with the virus. The symptoms of measles happen about 8 to 12 days after coming in contact with a person with the virus.

Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because pertussis can be very serious, it's important to know when to seek medical care.

Mono is best known for causing swollen glands and tiredness. But it can also cause other symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

Certain infections can spread from person to person. This is why your friend or family member may be put in a special room at the hospital. Here's what you need to know to keep you and your loved one safe.

Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent getting or spreading germs that cause infection. Read on for helpful tips about handwashing correctly.

Sepsis is a severe response the body has to an infection. It is most often caused by bacteria. Sepsis is a medical emergency.

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a cleaning product that kills germs. Daily bathing with CHG in the hospital helps keep infections from spreading. CHG bathing is especially helpful for patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Here are images that show the steps of hand washing.

Here are images that show the steps of using hand sanitizer.

If you live in an area with Zika, you can take important steps to protect yourself and your family.

If you travel to areas where Zika is currently active, you are at risk for a Zika infection.

To prevent infection during pregnancy, you need to protect yourself from mosquitoes and use protection during any sexual activity.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika infection. If you are planning a pregnancy, you'll need to take steps to take to protect yourself and your partner.

Many germs that cause a GI infection can be spread through touch. Here's how to prevent their spread.

If you are being treated for C. diff and are at risk for a relapse, your healthcare provider may prescribe an additional medicine. This medicine helps stop the infection and symptoms from coming back. Read on for more details.

Experts advise that kids and teens take breaks from screens so they have plenty of time for other healthy activities . Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can help your child take some time off from a device.

Sometimes, a wound that has been sutured becomes infected. If this happens, the sutures will need to be removed so that the wound can heal properly.

Rabies is a serious illness that almost always results in death. Certain people at high risk are advised to get the rabies vaccine to help prevent the disease.

Learn about HIV post-exposure prevention (PEP), including what it is and when it should be taken.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cryptosporidium infection is an illness that affects your intestines. It is caused bya parasite found in the stool of infected people or animals, which can then contaminate food or water. People are often infected by contaminated water.

Non-MRSA staph infections are caused by common bacteria. Learn about how they're spread, as well as prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus that causes a respiratory illness. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

Sepsis is the body's extreme immune response to an infection. If a person survives sepsis, they may have long-term effects, including fatigue, sleep problems, and chronic pain.

If you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.

Foodborne botulism is a rare illness caused by bacteria. The bacteria can get into your body through food you eat. It then makes a toxin that causes muscles in your body to not work (paralysis).

Candida is a type of yeast found in the body. Having too much of this yeast can cause a serious condition called candidemia.

When you have COVID-19, lying on your belly can help your lungs work better. It can help get more oxygen into your lungs more easily. It can help prevent lung injury.

How do you know if someone has the flu or COVID-19? What are the differences between these 2 illnesses? Here's what you need to know.

A person with HIV can look and feel perfectly healthy. But that person can give HIV to others as soon as he or she is infected with the virus. Read on to learn more.

TB can cause serious health problems. To protect your health, get tested.

Sepsis is a medical emergency. It happens when your body responds with widespread inflammation to a bad infection, or to bacteria in your bloodstream. Read on to learn about symptoms, risk factors, and what to expect.

HPV is a very common family of viruses. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Many people carry HPV. But it often has no symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

You've been diagnosed with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. Here's what you can do to help stay healthier and prevent the spread of HIV.

You have been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), a serious disease caused by a type of bacteria. Learn how to take care of yourself and prevent the spread of TB.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

The flu is an infection that affects your respiratory tract. This tract includes your mouth, nose, and lungs, and the passages between them. Unlike a cold, the flu can make you very ill.

West Nile virus is an illness that mainly affects birds. But an infected mosquito can spread it to people and other animals. Here's what you need to know about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria can be very harmful. They affect the intestinal tract. They can cause symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Read on to learn about how this infection is caused, diagnosed, and treated--and how to prevent it.

Gastroenteritis is often called the stomach flu. Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, and often causes severe symptoms. Read on to learn more, including how it can be spread, prevention, symptoms, and treatment.

Learn about MRSA, a type of staph infection that's hard to treat.

Bacteria that resist treatment with more than one antibiotic are called multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). MDROs mainly affect people in hospitals and long-term care facilities. But they are also spreading among healthy children and adults. Read on to learn more.

Bird flu is a serious illness that affects the lungs. Currently, this illness mainly infects birds. This sheet answers some of the questions you may have about bird flu.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by germs (bacteria) that can spread from person to person through the air. Here is information about TB, how it's treated, and ways to help prevent its spread.

Dengue is a severe illness that causes joint pain and high fever. It's caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. Read on to learn more.

Thrush is a type of fungal infection in the mouth and throat. Thrush does not usually affect healthy adults. It is more common in people with a weakened immune system. It is also more likely if you take antibiotics. Thrush is normally not contagious.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are types of bacteria. They can cause infections. These infections can be hard to treat. CRE got their name from the fact that they are resistant to carbapenems. Carbapenems are a type of antibiotic medicine.

Lymphadenopathy is swelling of the lymph nodes. It is very common. The lymph nodes often get larger during a viral or bacterial infection.

This infection is caused by a type of germ (bacteria). It often spreads through contaminated food, such as undercooked meat. It can be a cause of traveler's diarrhea.

Cat scratch disease is an illness caused by bacteria that many cats carry. You can get it by petting an infected cat and rubbing your eyes. Or you can get it from a flea bite from an infected cat. Read on for details.

Chickenpox is a viral illness that spreads very easily from person to person. The virus that causes chickenpox can stay in the body after the illness and later cause shingles.

This illness is caused by a virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include a high fever and joint pain.

Valley fever is an infection caused by a fungus that is breathed in from dust in the environment. It most often causes lung infection (pneumonia). Learn about symptoms, treatment, complications, and prevention.

Cold sores are small blisters or sores on the lip or sometimes inside the mouth. Many people get them from time to time. Learn what causes them, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.,

"Colds are the most common illness that people get. Colds may be caused by over 200 types of viruses. The most common of these are rhinoviruses ("rhino" refers to the nose)."

This illness is caused by the bacteria in a tick bite. Symptoms usually show up 1 to 2 weeks after you are bitten.

Hookworms can live and breed inside people. Having a large number of these worms breeding and feeding inside you is known as hookworm infection.

Listeria is a foodborne illness. It is caused by bacteria found normally in soil and water. But sometimes these germs can contaminate food.

Malaria is caused by a parasite passed on through a mosquito bite. Malaria is rare in the U.S., but travelers are at risk for this disease.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is an illness that affects your respiratory system. It's caused by a common type of virus called the coronavirus. Read on to learn details about MERS.

Norovirus is a virus that can infect the stomach and intestines. The virus spreads easily in areas of close human contact, such as schools and cruise ships.

A plantar wart is a small noncancer growth on the bottom of the foot. Learn more about them, including causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Rabies is a virus that infects the nerves and the brain. It is spread in the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies can be treated. Untreated rabies is almost always fatal.

Rheumatic fever is a disease that affects the joints, heart, and central nervous system. It causes inflammation in the body. It is most common in children ages 5 to 15.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection that can be spread through tick bites. It's a serious illness, but it can be cured with medicine if caught early.

Shigellosis is a digestive illness caused by bacteria. You can get it by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Tinea cruris is a type of fungal infection. The fungus infects the skin in the groin. It is more commonly called jock itch.

Tinea unguium is a type of fungal infection. The fungus infects the fingernails and, more commonly, the toenails. It's more common in men, older adults, and people who have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

Yersiniosis is a foodborne illness. It causes inflammation in the small intestine and colon. It is more common in children.

Zika is a virus spread through the bite of a mosquito. It may also be passed on through sexual contact and blood transfusions.

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection. It causes small bumps on the body. Children and young adults are most often affected.

C. diff is an infection caused by C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) bacteria.

C. diff infection occurs in your colon and is caused by Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria. Use this treatment plan to treat your infection at home and stop spreading it to others.

MERS is an illness that affects your respiratory system. Most cases of MERS are mild. But sometimes symptoms can be severe.

Monkeypox is an illness caused by a virus. It can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a rash with blisters that hurt.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the anthrax bacteria.

Inhalation anthrax occurs after breathing in anthrax spores in the air. Not everyone who has been exposed will get sick.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection most often passed during the bite of a deer tick. Symptoms may appear in stages over a long period of time. Read on to learn more.

Lymphangitis is an inflammation of lymph channels. It is caused by infected lymph fluid traveling from a site of infection.

Damage to the lymph vessels stops lymph fluid from draining properly, leading to lymphedema. Symptoms include heaviness, stiffness, or aching in a limb, as well as swelling and redness.

Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria in the Salmonella family. Early symptoms include chills, sweating, dry cough, headache, body aching, and abdominal pain. A high fever may then develop.

A viral illness often lasts 1 to 2 weeks, but sometimes it lasts longer. In some cases, a more serious infection can look like a viral syndrome in the first few days of the illness. You may need another exam and additional tests to know the difference. Read on for more details.

A virus is the most common cause of illness among children. This can cause many different symptoms, depending on what part of the body is affected.

People may become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Most WNV infections are very mild or cause no symptoms at all.

People may become infected with West Nile virus when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Most WNV infections are very mild or cause no symptoms at all.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox may get shingles later in life.

People with other severe health problems are most at risk of severe illness from a C. auris infection. A severe infection can be life threatening.

Wound botulism is a rare illness caused by bacteria. The bacteria can get into your body through a cut or other wound.

Wound dehiscence is when a surgical incision that has been stitched or stapled closed comes open again. This most often occurs with surgery done on the belly (abdomen).

Taking proper care of your wound will help it heal. Your healthcare provider may show you how to clean and dress the wound. He or she will also explain how to tell if the wound is healing normally. Here you will find the basic steps to follow.

Helpful information on symtpoms of wound infections, and how to treat them.

A reminder of how to apply and remove the Acticoat dressing to help your wound heal and decrease the chance of infection.

Biobrane (also called artificial skin) is a white stretchable dressing that covers the site of a burn wound. It is also used to cover the donor site if you have a skin graft. It will stay in place to protect your wound while it heals. You may do your normal activities with the Biobrane on your wound. Here are some general guidelines for home care.

A Hemovac drainage tube is used to remove fluid and is attached to a drain or collection device. This sheet can help you care for your Hemovac tube.

A Transcyte dressing covers a second- or third-degree burn. This type of dressing reduces your need for dressing changes. It will stay in place until your wound is healed. You can perform most of your normal activities with the Transcyte in place. Learn how to care for your Transcyte dressing.

An Unna boot is a dressing and wrap combination that is applied from your foot to your knee. An Unna boot has a special medicine in the gauze that will help heal burns or skin sores and protect new skin.

Taking proper care of your wound will help it heal. Your healthcare provider or nurse may show you specifically how to clean and dress the wound and how to tell if the wound is healing normally. This sheet will help you remember those guidelines when you are at home.

Your healthcare provider wants you to apply care for a special dressing, or packing, to in your wound. When a wound is deep, or when it tunnels under the skin, packing the wound can help it heal. These guidelines will help you remember how to take care of your wound.

Xeroform is a yellow dressing that covers your skin graft. It was placed by your healthcare provider or during surgery and will stay in place until your wound is healed. Here you will find how to care for your Xeroform dressing.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a type of treatment to help wounds heal. During the treatment, a device lowers air pressure on the wound.

Here are imaging showing how to change the dressing on a wound.

An animal bite can cause a wound deep enough to break the skin. In addition to wound care, a tetanus shot may be given, if needed. Read on to learn more.

A dog bite can cause a wound deep enough to break the skin. Learn about caring for the wound and special concerns such as rabies prevention.

If the bandage becomes wet or dirty, replace it. Otherwise, leave it in place for the first 24 hours. Then follow these guidelines to care for your injury at home.

Learn how to care for your wound and change an absorbable gelatin dressing.

Learn how to care for yourself at home after a human bite wound.

If your wound was sewn closed, you shouldn't have to change the dressing more than twice a day in the first few days. Follow these home care instructions after your wound check.

Infection after surgery often affects just the top layers of skin. Sometimes the infection is deeper in the wound and may include a collection of fluid or pus. Treatment will depend on the type of infection you have.

It is normal to have some clear or bloody discharge on the wound covering or bandage for the first few days after surgery. Bleeding or discharge requiring frequent dressing changes can be a sign of a problem. Read on for details.

A wound that has become infected will not heal properly unless the infection is cleared. Infection in a wound may also spread if it is not treated.