# Infection Control and its Principles Infection control refers to the measures and practices used to prevent the spread of infections among individuals, families, health workers and communities. It is an important part of community health because infectious diseases can spread rapidly through direct contact, contaminated food and water, respiratory droplets, blood, body fluids, insects and contaminated objects. Effective infection control protects both healthy people and those who are already sick. The main purpose of infection control is to break the chain of infection. The chain consists of an infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry and susceptible host. If any one of these links is interrupted, the spread of infection can be reduced or prevented. Infection control therefore includes personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, safe healthcare practices, immunisation, proper waste disposal and health education. One important principle is hand hygiene. Hands are a common means of transferring microorganisms from one person or object to another. Regular handwashing with soap and clean water, particularly before and after contact with a patient, after using the toilet and before handling food, is essential. Alcohol-based hand rubs can also be used when hands are not visibly dirty. The second principle is the use of personal protective equipment according to the risk involved. Gloves, masks, gowns, aprons, goggles and face shields can protect health