Healthcare providers: protection from infectious diseases when assisting seriously ill patients

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Despite the fact that the prevention of infectious diseases has reached high levels, there are unfortunately outbreaks of infections, mainly in developing countries, which can spread to very distant areas owing to globalization and the ease with which people get around nowadays. How to defend oneself from infectious diseases? Can healthcare workers take care of the sick without risking contagion? These are the questions we attempt to answer.

The use of suitable PPE is essential

For healthcare personnel who provide assistance to patients affected by infectious diseases it is essential to avoid coming into contact with a patient’s body fluids. Splashes to unprotected mucous membranes (for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) are particularly hazardous. Current regulation prescribes the use of protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) which, in addition to preventing the exchange of body fluids, also protect against secretions, such as those produced while breathing. Healthcare providers therefore, need to use face mask respirators , suitable clothing, gloves, and also carry out self-monitoring to prevent contagion.

The personal protective equipment worn when caring for patients with infectious diseases needs to be intact and highly functional. Particular attention needs to be paid when carrying out procedures such as intubation, lung washing, manual ventilation, and diagnostics on the respiratory system. In these cases, the less people in the room, the better, and all need to wear respiratory protective devices and disposal protective clothing.

Personal protective equipment for protection against Ebola virus

Ebola, or hemorrhagic fever,  is one of the infectious diseases that has raised the worst fears in the last years. Ebola is transmitted through body fluids, such as blood, urine, saliva, sperm. It is important to note that the Ebola virus can be washed out of garments by simply using with soap and bleach, so proper laundering in hazardous areas is essential to help prevent the disease from spreading This is a disease that has 90% mortality and this is the reason why prevention is so important for healthcare providers who are actually most at risk, along with the patient’s family members and funeral service providers.

Among the protective devices recommended in these specific cases are the respiratory protective devices that help prevent contamination because they are equipped with filters which purify the air before it is inhaled thus eliminating the risk of contagion. These respiratory protective devices are to be worn together with special clothing such as suitable gloves and protective suits.

Kasco provides  respiratory protective devices   for the safeguard of healthcare workers assisting patients with  serious infectious diseases.