Respiratory Hygiene: Descriptive survey report

Abstract

Respiratory infections are a leading cause of illness, morbidity, and mortality around the globe. Easily transmitted between people, respiratory pathogens are a leading cause of widespread illness but can be prevented. With the use of standard precautions, appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene, and appropriate patient precautions at the onset of symptoms, respiratory infections can be managed and maintained. Hygiene is a series of practices performed to preserve health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO). A respiratory infection is spread when a person who is infected with a virus coughs or sneezes. The droplets released from an ill person’s cough or sneeze can travel for several feet reaching the nose or mouth of others and causing illness. The control of spread of pathogens from the source is key to avoid transmission. Among source control measures, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, developed during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, is now considered as part of standard precautions.