The Importance of Cleaning and Disinfection: The Immune System
When we are healthy, our bodies have many built-in ways to protect us from infections.
An example is the barrier provided by healthy skin, which protects our immune system from external factors, such as bacteria.
But in healthcare, many patients are ill and weak.
“Germs are more likely to cause problems in these patients because their immune defenses might not be the same as somebody who’s healthy and living at home,” Dr. Carlson said.
Some patients might be especially vulnerable to infection.
They might have burns or wounds. They may be having a procedure done, like a surgical incision, where germs could get under their skin.
Patients can also be vulnerable to infection in ways that aren’t so obvious.
“A lot of patients have things going on that you can’t really see, like if their immune system is weak because of the medication for their cancer treatment,” Dr. Carlson said.
