PREVENTIVE MEASURES

PREVENTIVE MEASURES



INTRODUCTION

Modern concept of control of diseases lies not in its cure but in prevention.Most of the diseases whether communicable or non communicable can be prevented with efficient echo management. 

Rehabilitation is another part which helps man to come to its original health.

SPECIFIC PROTECTION

We have to take certain protection against diseases so that bacteria,virus parasite and fungus do not enter the healthy body of an individual,this is called "Specific Protection"

To control communicable diseases we do immunization by means of active passive immunization.So that,people develop immunity and they develop antibodies against a particular disease for which vaccination has been done "(Active Immunization)".

On the other hand, to destroy the bacteria or viruses, sometimes we inject readymade antibodies and these are called“Passive Immunization". 

Such immunization lasts for a short period e.g.Tetanus Anti Toxin or Immunogloblin But in practice,under National Immunization Schedule, Immunization against six communicable diseases is done which is essential for child survival and child development.

These diseases are Poliomyelitis,Pertussis,Tetanus, Measles,Diphtheria,Tuberculosis.

About 30-35% of child deaths are due to these six diseases.Whereas most of the children die due to measles so it is important to do active immunization in children in first year of their life.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

At birth - BCG, OPV and Hepatitis-B

At 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks - DPT and OPV

At 9 months - Measles or MMR (Mumps, Measles and Rubella), [2 Laklh IU "Vitamin-A"]

At 16-24 months - DPT and OPV

At 5-6 years DT

At 10-16 years - TT (Tetanus Toxoid)

For pregnant woman, two doses of TT

(1 at early pregnancyOne month after 2nd dose ofTT)

NOTE:

1)Interval between 2 doses should not be less than one month.

2) Minor cough, colds and mild fever are not a contradiction to vaccination.

CHEMOPROPYLAXIS AGAINST SOME DISEASES

Chemoprophylaxis means use of some drugs which will not allow growth of micro-organisms (anti microbial agents) during an epidemic or when the disease is present so that man is protected from occurrence of infection of some disease.

These diseases are diptheria, whooping cough, tuberculosis,tetanus,meningitis etc. 

for example,in malaria we give chloroquine to prevent clinical attacks of malaria atleast before one week entering in disease place and is continued until four weeks after leaving the place.

USE OF PROTECTIVE MASKS

it protects from respiratory infections such as tuberculosis,influenza,plague,pneumonia etc.

which are transmitted by inhalation of microorganisms (germs). They are shed in environment by the patients suffering from such diseases while speaking,coughing or sneezing. 

These microorganisms are present in the air.Protective masks should be used in operation theatre and labour room.Doctors,nurses use these masks to protect themselves.

ROUTES OF MICRO-ORGANISMS ENTERING IN HEALTY PEOPLE

A).Oral Route: By dirty hands,contaminated water and  food,we may get diseases like cholera,food poisoning, polio etc.

Specific Prevention

(i) Washing hands with soap and water before eating after defaecation and also washing of fruits and vegetables.

(ii) Safe supply of water and hot food and bykeeping cooked food in refrigerators.

B.Fecal Route: By dirty hands,which are not washed properly with soap after defaecation.Micro-aganisms from excreta enters into food or water and makes human being ill.

Specific prevention

(i) Wash you hands properly with soap & water

(ii) Always use latrines and keep them clean.Insect like house-ilies will cause diseases like cholera, food poisoning,diarrhoea etc.

Specific Preventiorn

(i) Keep flies and insects away from area

(ii) Proper sanitation

D.Direct Contact route

Direct contact route due to direct contact with diseased
person,a healthy person may get diseases like leprosy, sexually transmitted diseases,AIDS and Hepatitis B.

Specific Prevention

(i) Avoid multi-sex partners

(ii) Use of disposable syringes

(iii) Blood and blood products should be properly screened to avoid above mentioned infections to the recipient.

(iv) Proper disposal of hospital waste by incinerator

(v) Hand washing after examination of patients

SPECIFIC PROTECTION IN HOSPITAL

It is done by keeping hospital area neat and clean by following methods:

(a)use of disinfectants and sterlization

*Protect heathy people and patient by isolation of patients who are suffering from communicable diseases.

» Other special areas to be kept clean are:

(i) Labour room

(ii) Operation Theatre

(iii) Nursery of new born-babies

(iv) Recovery room

The above mentioned areas are to be kept bacteria-free by doing fumigation and disinfection time to time by various chemicals like formiline.Sterilzation of operation theatre,labour room and hospital equipments etc.is

one of the best example of specific protection for the patients.If any patient dies due to communicable diseases,proper disinfection should be done.

(b) Use of Cap

To cover hairs,these may be made up of clothes or may be disposable.To check infection and dirt which may not fall on the patients during operations

(c) Use of Protective Masks

It should be put on nose and mouth to protect air-borne infection.

(d) Use of Gloves

During operations,taking blood from patients,it is used by doctors/nurses and lab workers to protect themselves so that they may not get infection.

For example during operations or taking blood by nurse /lab tech from patient and by chance there is prick in his/her hand,Dr./nurse or health worker may get disease like AlDS - Hepatitis-B or Tetanus so it is one of the best
methods of specific protectiorn

(e) Use of Gown

It is used in Operation Theatre and Labour Room so that infection from doctor,nurse or health worker may not give infection to patients.

(f) Use of Condom

It will give specific protection from communicable diseases like AIDS- STD & Hepatitis-B

(g) Wearing Shoes

lt will protect so many diseases to healthy persons like infection of hook worm where its larva will enter in a person by piercing sole of foot who is moving without shoes.

In that case patient will develop severe anaemia specially in pregnant woman.

REHABILITATIOIN

Rehabilitation is a process by which a patient is brought back to his normal activities after a disease producing disability or disability due to accidents

The Physical Deformity may be of two types:

1) Temporary

2) Permanent

1)Temporary: This disability occurs in various types of long standing diseases resulting in restricted use of hands and feet or speech in all such medical conditions physiotherapy and speech therapy will bring them back to a condition where they can perform their normal life.

2)Permanent: This may occur due to accidents, fracture and dislocation,traumatic amputation and hemiplegia. Many of these disabilities are of permanent type where the normal activity can be restored by application of Artificial Prosthesis for limbs.

In other cases disabilities can be reduced by

appropriate physiotherapy and exercises so that about 60% functions of limbs can be restored.

Rehabilitation is required under the following conditions:

1)Tuberculosis of joints leading to Ankylosis (fixing of joints)

2)Management of fracture and dislocation of bones

3)Old age fracture of neck of femur (bone)

4) Severe Oesteoarthritis

5)Head injuries and disability following it

PREVENTION OF DISEASES

Health worker should take necessary steps to prevent spread of communicable diseases in the community. There are three steps by which he can take measures to prevent diseases.

1) Primary Prevention

2) Secondary Prevention

3) Tertiary Prevention

1) Primary Prevention

It is the duty of health worker to help the people to improve their health which can be done.

By improving Health Status

lt can be done by health education regarding healthy life style for prevention of diseases by various lectures , posters and hand bills etc.regarding spread of diseases and how to prevent them

1) He may tell them that not to take food which is exposed to dust and flies and also cut fruits and vegetables.

2) To avoid drinking shallow hand pump's water and use of bleaching powder in the wells twice a week,if it is used for drinking purpose.use of chlorinated tap water or use of chlorine tablets if such water is not available

3)They should remember that the spread of diseases is due to dirty fingers,contaminated or unwholesome food, flies,faeces or fomites.

4)They should wash their hands with soap and water after coming from toilets and before eating.

5)Avoid smoking and taking alcohol Health promotion of people in the community can also be done by family
planning to limit the number of children so that their socio-economic condition will improve.

By good personal hygiene they can keep themselves away trom various diseases.

Speclfic protection will also be very helpful to prevent various disease by means of immunization. 

Use of condom can prevent S.T.D. and helpful in family planning.

2) Secondary Preventlon

Diseases have come in the community and lt is duty of health worker to control them by means to breaking the chain of infection

3) Tertiary Prevention

Steps are to taken after disease has affected.

a)By limitation of movement due to disability-can be done by doctors in disease like Leprosy

b)Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist are helpful in these cases

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Certain healthy habits protects the body from acquiring many diseases,such habits practised by wise human being is called "Personal Hygiene" Several diseases are due to poor personal hygiene,for example skin diseases , decay of teeth, boils, scabies etc.

The science of health embraces all the factors which contribute to healthy living

Personal hygiene is concerned with physical health where as Environment also play important role like contamination of water,air pollution,certain Insect borne diseases like Malaria,filaria etc.

a) Dally Bath:

It keeps the body free from dust,sweating.It is good to take bath with Soap and water and to clean all the parts of body.

During winter it is beneficial to have sun bath to get Vitamin D from "Sun Rays", which is required for our bones to protect us from certain diseases of bones like Oestomalacia (in adult) & Rickets (in children)

b) Wearing clean clothes:

We should wash our clothes daily and dry them in sun, then wear them after taking daily bath. Sun rays will kill germs (micro -organisms) lf you wear dirty clothes no body will like to talk to you. So your dress should be neat and clean.

c)Care of teeth:

Brushing after taking meals for dental care as well as for oral hygiene.Regular brushing is helpful to avoid cavity formation in teeth and their decay.

It also keep gums healthy to avoid diseases like pyorrhoea.Moreover foul smell from mouth will not come. Dental checkup by dental surgeon is necessary time to time.

d) Care of Eyes:

Protect your eyes from smoke,eye injuries and dust.In children Vitamin - A is required to protect them from diseases like night blindness and avoid to put kajal or surma in eyes as it is harmful for eyes or it may give intection to eyes if yours fingers are dirty.

Malnutrition will give rise to diseases like Xerophthalmia & Night blindness Consult the doctor to check eye diseases like cataract & errors in vision.Care of eyes can be done by:

i) School children's eye checkups.

Il) Corneal ulcers (Check-up and treatment)

iii)Consult eye surgeon

iv)Improve your diet (To have balanced diet)

V)Control of fluid

VI)Health education

vll)Good physical health

d) Washing Hands:

Washing hands with soap and water after defaecation and before eating your food.Food handlers should keep their hands properly washed to avoid spread of diseases.

E) Cutting of Nails:

Long nails comes in contact with food while you are eating.Lot of dirt and bacterias will accumulate under them and will spread so many diseases.

We should check nails of food handlers working at the places where food is being served.

f) Care of Hairs: 

One should have short hair to avoid dandruff or lice in long hairs.Regular washing of hairs with shamboo and good diet (Nutrition) will help to have healthy hair,free from bacterias.It is the duty of health workers to ensure that kitchen workers in eating houses should wear the cap to avoid hair fall while cooking food.

g) Avoid Open Defaecation

It will give rise to many diseases like Cholera, Hookworm infection etc.Human excreta should be disposed off in most hygenic manner and use of Sanitary Latrines is always advisable.

h)Hygiene During Mensturation:

Mensturating women are always considered unclean and are having so many taboos.Due to superstitious belief they are not allowed to work in kitchen and take part in other household activities.

To control menstural discharge clean sanitary pad should be used.

Sexual intercourse during mensturation in healthy people is not harmful as there is no sound medical reason for advising against it in healthy couple.

QUARANTINE

lf any person has come in contact with communicable disease, he/she

FEVER

Communicable diseases having fever

1.Influenza: Viral Infection, disease of children and old persons

2.Pneumonia: Bacterial infection due to Pneumococci

3.Diphtheria: Pain in throat, difficulty in swallowing usually disease of children during winter

4.Typhoid: High temperature in evening and morning, low pulse rate, pain in abdomen,Widal Test Positive, Bacterial Infection

5.Meningitis: May be tubercular or viral with headache and vomiting neck rigidity

6.Tuberculosis. Bacterial infection, evening rise of low grade fever, chronic cough with sputum may have blood

7. Measles: Rashes on skin, no history of taking any drug should be kept away from healthy persons till the incubation period of that particular disease in which he/she has come in contact is over.

Incubation period means period from entry of agent (microorganism) in any person to development of signs/symptoms of that disease, is called Incubation Period (I.P) It is applicable on passengers of ships and aeroplanes which are coming from a country where communicable disease is present.

Such passengers who have come without immunization against particular communicable disease which is present in the country from where he is going are not allowed to enter in the country till the maximum period of quarantine is over.

It is different for different disease like 5 days for cholera, 6 days for yellow fever and plague. Incubation Period is counted from date of departure of a passenger from his country.

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Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.

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