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HAI stands for Healthcare Acquired Infection. This means that a patient enters a hospital for treatment and contracts an unrelated illness. HAI’s are spread through infected patients, infected surfaces, or through the hands of healthcare workers. Healthcare acquired infections are the

Hepatitis A is the inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by alcohol and drug use, bacteria, or toxins. This is a contagious virus that also causes acute liver infection. This virus is also considered the least severe virus in the Hepatitis family and most people who acquire t

Norovirus causes food-related illnesses and is not to be mistaken as a respiratory illness because it does not spread through breathing or coughing. Norovirus spreads through contaminated food and surfaces. The norovirus strain, called GII.17 Kawasaki, began to show up in the United S

One of the highest profile examples of how sanitation impacts business is the recent outrbreak of e-coli and norovirus illnesses at a major restaurant chain. The public company, valued at more than $20 billion, lost over a third of its value since the outbreaks were publicized. As cle

Rotavirus (gastroenteritis) is a non-enveloped virus that causes severe diarrhea and is common among infants and young children. In some cases, severe dehydration can occur in young children and would require hospitalization due to large amount of water loss. There is also a chance of

For areas where disinfectants are regularly used, such as in food service industries or hospitals, proper disinfectant choice is imperative. How disinfectants are used is also important. Below are some helpful tips to using disinfectants. Understand product instructions and applicatio

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes the stomach and intestines to become inflamed. This leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus is often referred to as the stomach flu or food poisoning. Norovirus is spread by contaminated food and surfaces, and is especially contagio

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the influenza virus. Health officials recommend that a person receive the annual flu vaccine to become protected from the latest flu strain; an antigenic drift or a small change in the influenza virus can occur every yea

C. Diff. (Clostridium Difficile) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon. People can become infected if they touch a surface contaminated with feces. The bacteria can also be spread through the hands of healthcare workers. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, fever, na

Do you have proper hand washing techniques? Keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria and to protect yourself from becoming infected with the flu. A study conducted by Michigan State University indicated that about 5 percent of people properl