Chapter 4 Safety and Infection Control 115 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. It takes at least twenty seconds to wash your hands properly. Twenty seconds is about how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday to You” twice. The use of alcohol-based hand products is acceptable throughout the day, except under the previously stated circumstances. Alcohol-based hand rubs have become popular today because they do not dry out the skin as much as hand washing. As a result, alcohol-based hand rubs are widely used in healthcare facilities. In addition to practicing good hand hygiene, hospital employees and healthcare workers must not come to work when sick with a contagious disease. Infectious Agent Reservoir or Host The moist, warm, dark place or person in which the infectious microorgan- isms reside. The nose, mouth, eyes, urinary tract, reproductive system, and open wounds are some possible routes. Pathogens travel via direct and indirect contact, droplets, or through the air. Possible routes include the nose, mouth, urinary tract, reproductive system, eyes, and open wounds. Depends on the age and resistance of the individual. The very young, the elderly, and the already ill are the most susceptible. Mode of Transmission Portal of Entry Portal of Exit Susceptible Host Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 4.12 The chain of infection is a sequence of events allowing infection to invade the human body. Including the infectious agent, how many steps are there in a chain of infection? How many of these steps must be eliminated to stop the spread of the infection?