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 Fighting infectious diseases today is much easier than in the past. With proper hygiene and proper precautions, in addition to numerous vaccines and rapidly advancing medical technology, people are better equipped than ever to avoid getting sick.
Prevention is the key to fighting many infectious diseases. Part of preventing the spread of an infectious disease includes:
- proper hand washing techniques;
- taking certain precautions, depending on the disease;
- following the nationally recommended immunization schedule for children and adults;
- taking medications correctly.
 Even
with proper prevention, sometimes a disease is unavoidable. Some reasons
include:
- evolution of drug-resistant strains of a disease;
- changes in a person's environment;
- increased travel;
- inappropriate use of prescription drugs;
- lack of attention to proper personal hygiene.
St.
John's Infection Control Program is designed to prevent nosocomial infections
and to protect the overall health of patients, families, employees, and visitors
of St. John's. The Infection Control Committee, chaired by an infectious disease
specialist, directs, recommends, and approves all infection control policies and
activities within the Infection Control Program.
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