The pandemic taught us a harsh lesson: infections can spread rapidly and affect individuals, communities, states, and oceans. With COVID-19 casting a long shadow over our lives, the importance of infection prevention became undeniably clear. The constant reminders to wash hands, wear masks, and maintain social distance were not just guidelines but lifelines.
Unfortunately, infections are a part of life. However, this does not mean we should accept them. Every year, millions suffer from various infections, many of which are preventable. World Infection Prevention Week 2024, observed from October 13 - 19 this year, highlights infection control's critical role in protecting our health. The goal? To spread awareness about how we can prevent infections from spreading in our communities, workplaces, and homes.
This blog will explore the types and causes of infections and discuss the key infection control practices to help you protect yourself and others during World Infection Prevention Week. Let’s take a closer look!
This year, World Infection Prevention Week, aka International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), will be observed from October 13 to 19. The week highlights the crucial role of infection prevention in global health and aims to raise awareness and spread knowledge about infection prevention worldwide.
World Infection Prevention Week also highlights the critical role of infection prevention in protecting public health and reducing healthcare-associated infections. This year's theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” The week-long event indicates a global call to action, urging us to prioritise infection control practices to protect our health and those around us.
Infections remain a significant public health challenge, affecting developed and developing countries. Infections are among the leading causes of increased mortality, healthcare costs, and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here’s a snapshot of the current situation:
Studies state that AMR deaths can increase drastically (by 70%) in the next 25 years. Although older people are more vulnerable, around 39 million people could die from drug-resistant infections by 2050. 1
In developed nations, HCAI (Health-care associated infection) affects around 5% to 15% of hospitalised patients, and 9% to 37% of those who are admitted to ICUs. 2
Globally, sepsis, a life-threatening infection, has been creating havoc massively. Looking at the data back in 2020, over 48 million cases were reported to have sepsis. Each year, 11 million deaths take place due to sepsis, thereby representing 20% of deaths globally.
Infections spread through several ways, including person-to-person contact, contaminated food and water, and animal or insect vectors. Some of the key causes include:
This is a significant driver of infections. People often overlook it and skip washing their hands or cleaning up the dirt around them daily. This leads to poor hygiene and can be a breeding ground for bacteria/viruses. Poor sanitation and limited access to clean water can further exacerbate the spread of infections. According to WHO, 50% of infections could be prevented through proper hand hygiene alone.
High population density, particularly in urban areas or healthcare facilities, can lead to increased transmission of infectious diseases. Overcrowded hospitals with inadequate infection control measures lead to higher HAIs. This is one of the most severe types of infection.
Parasites live on or inside a host and feed on nutrients from the host’s body. Common parasitic infections include malaria, caused by Plasmodium, and giardiasis, caused by Giardia. Parasites often spread through contaminated food or water, insect bites, or close contact with infected individuals.
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human and animal health have accelerated the rise of drug-resistant infections. In India, 57% of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily, leading to AMR. 6 When bacteria/viruses become resistant to antibiotics, even the most common infections can become harder to treat. This can also lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
Fungal infections occur when fungi attack the body. They often affect the skin, nails, and even the respiratory system. Conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candidiasis (thrush) are common fungal infections. These infections can grow massively in warm, moist environments and are more likely to attack individuals with poor/weak immune systems.
Factors such as climate change, pollution, and natural disasters can create conditions conducive to the spread of infections. For example, rising temperatures can expand the habitats of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, increasing the risk of dengue fever and malaria.
While the global statistics state the intensity of the situation, India faces its unique set of challenges regarding infection prevention. High population density, seasonal changes, and varying access to healthcare contribute to the spreading of infectious diseases.
The impact of infections like tuberculosis (TB) and dengue fever remains significant. Despite global progress, India still has the highest burden of TB in the world, with over 2.78 million (27.8 lakh) cases annually. Moreover, the mortality rate remains significant, with around 3.2 lakh (320,000) deaths attributed to TB annually.
Hence, understanding the importance of infection prevention based on this World Infection Control Week 2024 theme can bring collective action. The global call matters because:
Many deaths that arise from infections could be prevented with proper hygiene and infection control practices.
Reducing infection rates can significantly decrease healthcare expenditures for both individuals and governments.
Effective infection prevention is essential for controlling the spread of infectious diseases, thereby protecting global health security.
Preventing the spread of infections doesn’t always require complicated and huge gestures. Often, small actions can have the greatest impact. Here are some key infection control practices everyone should follow this week and beyond:
Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based sanitisers can significantly reduce the spread of harmful germs.
Immunisations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like measles, polio, or the flu.
Cooking food to the right temperature and ensuring good kitchen hygiene is essential. It can prevent foodborne diseases like salmonella.
This is one of the best ways to prevent infection. Regularly disinfecting touched surfaces in hospitals, offices, and homes reduces the overall risk of infections.
Wearing masks and gloves when needed helps protect individuals from exposure to dangerous viruses and bacteria, especially in healthcare settings.
Ensuring access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities is vital to prevent waterborne infections.
For contagious diseases, isolating infected individuals or staying in quarantine is essential to prevent further spread.
Infection prevention is not just the responsibility of healthcare professionals but a shared duty. This World Infection Prevention Week, it is important to pledge and adopt simple yet effective measures to protect ourselves and those around us. We can reduce the global infection burden by adopting strict infection control practices and ensuring compliance with global health guidelines.
India, with its population of over 1.441 billion 8 must continue strengthening its healthcare infrastructure, improving sanitation, and promoting vaccination and antibiotic stewardship to control infections and build a healthier future.
Nonetheless, infections can be life-threatening. Early detection and regular checkups can help avoid harsh outcomes. Given rising infection rates and the unpredictability of health crises, comprehensive health insurance is crucial. It provides you and your family with financial protection against infection costs, including hospitalisation, treatments, and necessary medical interventions.
Choosing a reliable health insurance plan from Care Health Insurance can help ease the stress of unexpected health issues. With timely medical help and treatment for infections, Care Health Insurance helps you speed up your recovery without the added stress of financial strain.
>> Also Read: Everything About Sepsis Infection
Disclaimers: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
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