The Chain of Infection

How diseases spread

The Chain of Infection
Source of Infection
There needs to be someone or
something carrying the bad microbes
that cause the infection
There are many sources of infection,
these can include
• People already infected
• Pets
• Unclean surfaces (door
handles, keyboards, toilets,
etc)
The Chain of Infection

Way out for microbes

There needs to be a way for the microbes
to get out of the infected person or
source
Routes include
• Sneezing (aerosols)
• Transfer of bodily fluids
The chain of Infection
Spread of infection

Bad microbes need a

way to be passed
from person to
person
This can be through
• touch
• sexual transmission
The chain of Infection
Way in for microbes
• Bad microbe need a way to
get into someone else
before they can cause an
infection
• This can be through
– the food we eat
– inhalation of aerosols
– open cuts or sores
– things we put in our mouths
The Chain of Infection

People at Risk from

Infection
We are all at risk from
infection but
especially the young,
the elderly and those
on medication
 Breaking the Chain

How to prevent the spread of Infection

Breaking the Chain

Source of infection
• Isolate infected people
• Take care with raw food
• Wash pets on a regular basis
• Dispose of nappies and soiled items
appropriately
Breaking the Chain
Way out for microbes
Prevent any
– faeces
– vomit
– bodily fluids
– coughs and sneezes
getting onto surfaces or
hands
Breaking the Chain

Spread of infection
• Wash hands thoroughly
AND regularly
• Cover cuts and open sores
Breaking the Chain
People at risk from infection

Everyone
• Take appropriate vaccinations

High risk people

• Keep away from people who
are infectious
• Take extra care about
cleanliness
• Take extra care when cook and
preparing food