Introduction and How Diseases Spread
Overview
Infectious diseases are very dangerous for older adults, and pathogens can spread quickly in
residential care settings. When providing personal care, Home Care Aides look for signs of infection and avoid spreading infections themselves. Home Care Aides must understand how infections spread and use standard precautions to break the chain of infection. By practicing good hand hygiene, properly using gloves and other PPE, and disinfecting surfaces, Home Care Aides can protect clients and themselves.
What do you do to avoid getting sick?
Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases can cause pain, injury, disability, or even death. They develop when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter a person’s body and multiply. Examples of common infections in healthcare settings include the following.
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin, nail, or wound infections
- The common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19)
- Illnesses involving diarrhea
- Pneumonia
Many infections are contagious. They grow in one person and then spread to others through direct or indirect contact.
Signs and Symptoms of Infection
Recognizing when someone might have an infection helps you provide treatment and prevent the spread of the disease to others. Pay special attention to these common signs and symptoms of infection:
- Fever, chills, sweating
- Congestion or coughing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain
- Confusion or change in mental status
- Headache or dizziness
- Areas on the body with redness, swelling, or that feel hot to touch
- Hot or dry skin
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Feeling tired, bad, or weak
- A decline in overall well-being
- Increased breathing and pulse rates
- Rash
- Open sores with green or foul-smelling discharge
- Thirst
If a client has symptoms, document and report them to the appropriate person in your care setting. If you experience any symptoms yourself, notify your employer and stay home to prevent the spread of infection.
Remember that people can have an infection and pass it on to others without having any symptoms. To be safe, you must always use standard precautions when providing care.
Refer to page 114 in your text for a full diagram regarding the chain of infection.