The most important way to prevent the spread of infection is through meticulous and frequent hand hygiene. You should clean your hands before and after you interact with patients, before and after using gloves, after using the restroom, before eating and anytime your hands get soiled. Hand hygiene can be performed with either soap and water or with hand sanitizer. Either method should take at least 15 seconds to complete.
Volunteers should use precautions in any situation when they may interact with blood or body fluids. These precautions involve creating a barrier between themselves and any bodily fluid – the most common way to do that is through the use of gloves. Most patients have gloves available in their homes which have been provided by Hospice Austin. Note that gloves do not replace the need for hand hygiene!
If you are exposed to a body fluid, immediately wash or flush the exposed area thoroughly. You should then follow up with the Hospice Austin Employee Health Nurse to determine if any follow up protocols are required. If you have an infection, please refrain from in-person visits for the full duration of your illness.