Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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The Chain of Infection

The chain of infection displays how infectious agents transmit (see Figure 2). Breaking one or more link in the chain, through removal or protection, will stop the transmission of the infection. 6 The chain of infection transmission and examples of actions to break the chain include:

Chain of Infection

Examples of breaking the chain

Causative agent – the infectious agent itself

• vaccinations against the infectious agent • herd immunity – sufficient number of the population are immune to the infectious agent • diagnose infectious agent and treat. • change appointment until person is considered not infectious • standard precautions to prevent contact with person’s blood or body substances. • regular and targeted hand hygiene • regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas • respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette • reprocessing (cleaning/disinfection/sterilisation) of equipment • use of standard and transmission based precautions (PPE) • physical distancing • personal hygiene. • stay at home • take precautions such as wearing a mask • regular and targeted hand hygiene.

Reservoir – where the infectious agent lives

Portal of exit – how the infectious agent leaves the reservoir

Mode of transmission – how the infection enters the body

Portal of entry – locations where the infectious agent could enter the body (e.g., eyes, mouth, nose) Susceptible host – any person receiving healthcare

• follow recommended standard precautions • vaccination against the infectious agent.

Figure 2: Chain of Infection Transmission Sourced from NHMRC Guidelines 6

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020