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Get prepared for International Infection Prevention Week, kicking off on October 20! This week-long celebration, spread worldwide, is dedicated to the understanding and dissemination of knowledge about how to stop the transmission of infection. The first step towards victory is awareness, and that’s what this week is all about! Introduced in 1986 and promoted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), International Infection Prevention Week fosters an environment empowering healthcare workers, patients, and every single person to play a critical role in preventing infections. So, let's gear up to join hands in the global fight against germs. Stay informed, stay healthy!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of IIPW</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) was first introduced in the US by President Ronald Reagan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>CDC's Involvement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started providing materials and resources to support IIPW activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>IIPW became an international observance, promoting infection prevention and consciousness worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>H1N1 Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the H1N1 pandemic, IIPW played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of infection prevention.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ebola Outbreak Response</div><div class='timeline-text'>IIPW took on a significant role during the Ebola outbreak, providing critical information on infection prevention protocols.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>IIPW highlighted the importance of infection prevention measures amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, solidifying its vital role in public health education.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a webinar or lecture</h3><p class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge on the topic by attending a webinar, lecture, or seminar about infection prevention. This will not only increase your understanding but will also make you more aware and confident in discussing and spreading awareness about the topic.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make a hygiene kit</h3><p class='facts-text'>Create hygiene kits for homeless shelters in your area. These kits should contain essentials like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, soap, masks, tissues and educational pamphlets about infection prevention.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a cleanliness drive</h3><p class='facts-text'>Arrange a community cleanliness drive to educate people about the link between cleanliness and disease prevention. Ensuring a clean environment plays a critical factor in preventing the spread of infections.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share online resources</h3><p class='facts-text'>Find reliable resources online about infection prevention and share them on your social media platforms. This can help in spreading awareness to your network about the importance of preventing infection spread.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Develop a workplace policy on Infection Prevention</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you are part of a company or organization, consider putting together a new policy, or revising existing ones, that focuses on preventing infection in the workplace. This can include regular cleaning procedures, availability of sanitizing equipment, and educating staff on proper hygiene.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Global Health Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Infection Prevention Week is essential because it boosts global health vigilance. It increases awareness regarding infection spread and equips individuals with the necessary knowledge to prevent it. This aids in reducing infection rates, enhancing public health, and saving lives. </p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages Participation and Action</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This health observance week not only raises awareness but also encourages action. Through various activities like hygiene kit making, cleanliness drives, and sharing educational resources, everyone gets an opportunity to contribute positively toward infection prevention. </p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Focuses on Education and Empowerment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Infection Prevention Week realizes the power of education as the greatest defense against infection. By spreading helpful information and encouraging discussions on the subject, it empowers every individual to make informed decisions about their own health, hygiene, and habits. </p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Infection Prevention Measures Can Prevent Up to 70% of Healthcare-Associated Infections</h3><p class='facts-content'>As per the World Health Organization (WHO), by adhering strictly to infection prevention practices, healthcare services can avoid approximately 70% of healthcare-associated infections, further emphasizing the importance of understanding and implementing preventive strategies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Prevalence of Healthcare-Associated Infections Is High</h3><p class='facts-content'>In developed countries, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) affect from 5% to 15% of hospitalized patients in regular wards and as many as 50% or more in intensive care units, as per WHO. The thorax and abdomen are the most affected body parts. This shows the significance of efficient prevention methods.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hand Hygiene Is the Most Practical Infection Prevention Measure</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the most effective ways to prevent infections is regularly and thoroughly cleaning hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer if soap is not readily available.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Influenza Immunization Prevents Millions of Infections Every Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Influenza vaccines reduce the risk of flu illness by 40-60% during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are similar to the vaccine’s components. It is estimated to prevent millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Preventive Measures Lessened Other Diseases During COVID-19</h3><p class='facts-content'>Preventive measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and improved hygiene, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased spread of other infectious diseases as well, such as the common cold and flu, underscoring the importance of such preventive strategies.</p></div></div>
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