Module 9
More Information

Session 1

Learning Objectives:

Describe four body reservoirs where germs live that are important for infection control in healthcare.
Explain how germs can be spread from each body reservoir and cause harm.

Key Take Aways:

“Reservoirs” are the places on and in our bodies and in the environment where germs live. Germs frequently spread between and among these reservoirs.
Four reservoirs in the human body that are important for infection control are the skin; the gastrointestinal (GI) system or “gut”; the respiratory system; and blood.
Understanding where germs live helps us recognize where there is risk for them to be spread, and helps us understand why infection control actions work to stop them from spreading and making people sick.

Learning objectives:

Describe four environmental reservoirs where germs live that are important for infection control in healthcare.
Explain how germs can be spread from each healthcare environment reservoir and cause harm.

Key Take Aways:

“Reservoirs” are the places on and in our bodies and in the environment where germs live. Germs frequently spread between and among these reservoirs.
Four reservoirs in the healthcare environment that are important for infection control are water and wet surfaces; dry surfaces; dirt and dust; and devices.
Understanding where germs live helps us recognize where there is risk for them to be spread, and helps us understand why infection control actions work to stop them from spreading and making people sick.

Learning objectives:

Describe infection control risks associated with the human body and healthcare environment reservoirs, and pathways for germs to be spread from them.
Identify strategies to address common infection control risks associated with the human body and healthcare environment reservoirs.

Key Take Aways:

The places where germs usually live are called “reservoirs.” Germs frequently spread between and among reservoirs.
There are reservoirs in the human body, including the skin; the gastrointestinal (GI) system, or “gut”; the respiratory system; and the blood.
There are also reservoirs in the healthcare environment, including water and wet surfaces; dry surfaces; dirt and dust; and devices.
Infection control actions are connected to how germs can be spread to and from these reservoirs to different areas of the body, from one person to another, from people to things, or from things to people.
Knowing where germs live and how they can be spread can help you understand why infection control actions work to stop them from spreading and making people sick