Chain Of Infection Nvq

532 Words2 Pages

In order to promote health and wellness it is important to stop the spread of germs and bacteria. to prevent the spread of diseases you must know how diseases can be spread and what causes them. Germs and bacteria are spread through the process called the chain of infection. The chain of infection is made up of six different links: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, means of transmission, portal of entry, and a susceptible host (Koshuta). The chain of infection can only happen when all six links are present (Infection Prevention and Control ). Each link has a unique part in the chain and each part can be interrupted, stopped, or broken, in many different ways. Link #1: The Pathogen- This is the disease-causing organism. This can be bacterium or a virus. In order to break this link, …show more content…

Pathogens cannot travel on their own, so they have to have a means of transportation to carry them to people or to other places (Infection Prevention and Control). Direct transmission involves close association with the infected person, but not necessarily physical contact. Indirect transmission requires a vector, such as an insect or animal. Practicing safe sex, avoiding contact with the infected person, and by washing hands can all methods to breaking the this link of the chain of infection. Link #5: The Portal of Entry- Entry of the pathogen in a person can take place in one of three ways: penetration- entering the skin through broken skin, inhalation- breathing the pathogen in, or ingestion- eating of swallowing the pathogen. The intensity of an infection may depends on the depth of penetration. Like the portal of exit, the use of barrier methods, such as condoms or masks, can be used to break this link, along with other ways, like insect repellants, or washing fruit and vegetables before eating them. Link #6: The New Host- Once in the new host, many factors affect the intensity of infection, including the persons immune system strength and the reproductive rate of the

More about Chain Of Infection Nvq

Open Document