Standard Precaution (Public Awareness)

Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings.

Types of Infections That Can Spread:

1. Airborne
2. Droplet
3. Contact
4. Bloodborne
5. Vector-borne

Latest Infection with Potential for Pandemic:

• Airborne disease (e.g., COVID-19 variants, Influenza)

5 Moments of Hand Hygiene:

1. Before patient contact
2. Before aseptic procedures
3. After body fluid exposure risk
4. After patient contact
5. After contact with patient surroundings

How to Apply to Daily Life Activities:

• Before eating or preparing food: Wash hands to prevent ingestion of harmful germs.
• After using the restroom: Wash hands to avoid transferring germs to surfaces or food.
• Before touching your face: Clean hands to minimize the risk of infection.
• After coughing or sneezing: Wash hands to prevent the spread of germs.
• After handling potentially contaminated objects: Clean hands before touching other surfaces or people.

In Malaysia, clinics offer a variety of vaccines to protect against infectious diseases. Here's an overview of the vaccines available and their importance:

Vaccines Available in Malaysian Clinics:

1. COVID-19 Vaccines:

   • Sinovac (CoronaVac): An inactivated virus vaccine administered in two doses. 
   • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty): An mRNA vaccine given in two doses.
   • Moderna (Spikevax): Another mRNA vaccine administered in two doses.
   • Oxford-AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria): A viral vector vaccine given in two doses.
   • CanSino (Convidecia): A single-dose viral vector vaccine.
   • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) (Jcovden): A single-dose viral vector vaccine.

2.  Routine Vaccines for Adults:

   • Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended annually to protect against seasonal flu strains.
   • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Protects against these three diseases; booster shots are recommended every 10 years
   • Pneumococcal Vaccine: Protects against pneumococcal diseases; recommended for adults over 65 and those with certain health conditions.
   • Hepatitis B Vaccine: Protects against hepatitis B virus; recommended for adults at risk.
   • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Protects against HPV-related cancers; recommended for adults up to age 26.

3. Travel Vaccines:

   • Hepatitis A Vaccine: Recommended for travelers to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
   • Typhoid Vaccine: Recommended for travelers to areas where typhoid fever is common.
   • Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: Recommended for travelers to rural areas in Asia.

Importance of Vaccination:

Vaccines are crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, reducing the severity of illnesses, and protecting vulnerable populations. They contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Wearing Masks in Crowded Areas:

Wearing masks in crowded areas, especially indoors, is important to reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Masks act as a physical barrier to fluids and large particle droplets, helping to prevent infections transmitted by respiratory droplets.

Incorporating mask-wearing into daily life activities, such as when using public transportation or visiting crowded places, can significantly contribute to controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

By staying informed about available vaccines and adhering to preventive measures like wearing masks, individuals can play a vital role in maintaining public health.