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20. Infectious Disease. Objectives. Learn how infection spreads and how to protect yourself from disease. Identify multi-resistant organisms. Discuss influenza. Recognize current infectious diseases prevalent in the community. Discuss the role of EMS in public health. Introduction.
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20 Infectious Disease
Objectives • Learn how infection spreads and how to protect yourself from disease. • Identify multi-resistant organisms. • Discuss influenza. • Recognize current infectious diseases prevalent in the community. • Discuss the role of EMS in public health.
Introduction • From the common cold to multi-resistant organisms, infectious disease is a topic that should be on every provider’s mind. • Today’s Advanced EMTs are faced with not only protecting themselves from microorganisms but also preparing for pandemic outbreaks and medication-resistant diseases.
Introduction (cont’d) • This topic will focus on the evolving threats that infectious disease poses to the Advanced EMT and discuss the key concepts in personal protection.
Spreading Infection • Infectious disease is defined as pathogenic microorganisms that can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. • Bacteria • Viruses • Parasites • Fungi
Spreading Infection (cont’d) • Communicable disease is one that is transmitted easily from one person to another. • Standard precautions help to prevent the transmission of disease.
Standard Precautions are required to protect you from disease.
Spreading Infection (cont’d) • Bloodborne diseases pose a particular threat to the Advanced EMT. • Advanced skills such as intravenous therapy and medication administration require the use of needles and other sharps that can pose a serious risk of injury when not used safely.
Epidemiology • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that roughly 82% of healthcare workers being exposed to bloodborne diseases occur as a result of needle or sharp-related incidents. • Improved safety strategies have demonstrated a 96% decline in the number of incidents since 1983.
Hepatitis • Translates into inflammation of the liver. • Generally caused by a viral infection. • Classified as hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E. • A and E – food and waterborne • B, C, and D – bloodborne • CDC estimates roughly 80,000 new infections of hepatitis in the U.S. each year.
Hepatitis (cont’d) • Hepatitis virus seeks out healthy liver cells and invades them. • Reproduction destroys these cells and causes an immune response in the liver. • Liver destruction occurs both immediately and over a period of time while the disease persists.
Hepatitis (cont’d) • Chronic hepatitis • Long term decline in the function of the liver • Acute hepatitis • Short term, “flare ups” • Roughly 4.4 million Americans live with chronic hepatitis and are essentially asymptomatic
Hepatitis (cont’d) • Signs and symptoms • Fatigue • Abdominal pain • Nausea • Vomiting • Jaundice
HIV/AIDS • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a bloodborne pathogen that potentially leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). • The CDC estimates that slightly fewer than 700,000 Americans are infected with HIV.
HIV/AIDS (cont’d) • AIDS affects the immune system by destroying essential T cells thus leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. • Most AIDS deaths are caused by secondary diseases such as respiratory infections and malignancies.
HIV/AIDS (cont’d) • Bloodborne disease transmitted through needle stick and sharp-related injuries. • Only about 3 in 1000 needle stick injuries will actually transmit disease.
HIV/AIDS (cont’d) • Factors that contribute to the probability of transmission • Amount of blood on or in the sharp • How deep the needle penetrated • Whether or not it penetrated an artery or vein • How high the viral load in the patient
Tuberculosis • Spread by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. • Transmitted through respiratory droplets. • Roughly ⅓ of the world’s population is currently infected with the TB bacillus.
Tuberculosis (cont’d) • Vast majority have latent tuberculosis. • Those at higher risk are drug users, HIV patients, and those in congregate settings.
Tuberculosis (cont’d) • Active TB develops in 5-10% of those exposed. • Characterized by a massive immune response in the lining of the airway and parenchymal tissue. • Inflammation and lung cell changes cause poor diffusion and destruction of lung tissue.
Tuberculosis (cont’d) • Signs and symptoms • Blood tinges sputum • Fever • Weight loss • Night sweats • N-95 type respirator protects from droplet transfer of tuberculosis.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms • Enhanced by partial and unfinished courses of antibiotic treatment. • Bacteria is exposed to the medication but is not completely eradicated when the full course of treatment is not received. • Remaining bacteria reproduce and develop resistance.
MRSA • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus • About 25% of the population carries staphylococcus bacteria on their skin/nose.
MRSA (cont’d) • Transmitted by skin or respiratory contact • Divided into two groups • Hospital-acquired • Community-acquired
MRSA (cont’d) • Remember as an EMS provider, you are exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA every day. • MRSA can be transmitted by skin contact and/or by respiratory contact. • Utilize the appropriate level of personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Handwashing • When washing, remember the key elements to proper handwashing • Warm flowing water and soap • At least 15 seconds of scrubbing over all the surfaces • Thorough rinsing
Alcohol-based hand cleaner is effective and can be used when soap and water are not available.
Influenza • Influenza (flu) is a viral infection that has multiple different classifications and subclassifications. • Influenza A, B, C • H1N1, H5, N1 • Various strains of influenza strike regionally each year.
Influenza (cont’d) • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza kills somewhere between 3,000 and 50,000 people each year in the United States. • In 2009, Influenza A (H1N1) killed more than 18,000 people and was found in 214 countries. • The WHO designated H1N1 a pandemic.
Influenza (cont’d) • Influenza is quite virulent. • Spread via airborne droplets and through contact with respiratory fluids. • Immune response causes inflammation and changes in the lining of the respiratory tract. • Cytokines and other chemicals released from infected cells cause S/S.
Influenza (cont’d) • Signs and symptoms • Fever • Fatigue • Chills • Muscle pains • Cough
Influenza (cont’d) • EMS is at high risk to be exposed. • Consider getting vaccinated each year. • Protect yourself from respiratory droplet contact in patients with a high suspicion of influenza. • Handwashing and decontamination are essential.
EMS and Public Health • EMS has developed a significant responsibility within public health. • Especially in the context of infectious disease. • EMS frequently partners with other health care entities to develop and enact strategies to prevent and stop the spread of infectious disease.
Summary • It is imperative that all EMS providers protect themselves from, and prevent the spread of, infectious disease. • As diseases become challenging to fight, partnerships continue to develop in health care to provide an optimal response.
Summary (cont’d) • EMS plays a vital role in developing and carrying out action plans against disease.