What is cross-infection?

Cross-infection is the transmission of harmful microorganisms (usually bacteria and viruses) between people, from equipment to people or can occur inside the body.

Cross-contamination may occur due to: bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses.

These microorganisms spread through:

• The ill person coughs and sneezes.
• Direct contact between people.
• Touch the infected surface.
• Medical equipment has not been sterilized.
• Bed is not clean.
• Use catheters or wires for a long time.

Places where cross contamination may occur

Cross-contamination can occur anywhere, from houses, schools, banks . to public buildings.

Measures to prevent cross-contamination

• Restrict the use of public transport to not go to a crowded place. Wear a mask if you must go out.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill viruses if your hands have the virus.
• Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between you and others, especially those who have symptoms of coughing, sneezing and fever because the virus can shoot out when they cough or sneeze and you can breathe in those viruses if too close.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands because your hands can touch surfaces that could be contaminated with the virus. If infected hands touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you can spread the virus from the infected surface to yourself.
• If you have a fever, cough and trouble breathing, wear a mask, isolate yourself in a private room and call the hotline of your local health department or the Ministry of Health (1900 3228 or 1900 9095) to advice.

What is community immunity? Does it apply to Covid-19?

What is a vaccine (vaccine)? Why is the vaccine not used to treat illness but to prevent it?