Infection can be a major health problem. The Infection Control Department at Clarinda Regional Health Center is continually working to keep our patients safe from contracting infections while in our facility. 

General Infection Prevention Tips

►      Wash your hands with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds
►      Remember cold viruses can last several hours on telephones, doorknobs, toys, etc. Clean these items frequently.
►      Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:

►      Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

►     Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands

►     Touch a contaminated surface or objects

►      Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

►      Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
►      Finish antibiotics as prescribed by your physician.
►      Keep all vaccinations up to date as recommended by your provider, this includes seasonal flu shots. 
►      Watch IV sites or any type of invasive procedure that may put you at risk for an infection. Signs of infection include fever and redness/swelling at the insertion site. Other things to watch include drainage or foul odor from incisions.
►      Avoid smoking around children, as this is a risk factor for upper respiratory infections.

If you have questions or concerns about infections or other related topics, please contact NaTausha Poore at (712) 542-8331.