Nicky Varney explains the importance of infection prevention practices in the winter.
Infection control is seamlessly integrated within everyday life in the dental practice. Every member of the team has a role to play in protecting themselves, their patients and their colleagues from the risk of infection. To achieve the highest standards of infection prevention, professionals must meticulously follow practice protocols and have access to equipment they can rely on.
This is a particularly important topic as we enter the colder months of the year, as the risk of viral transmission increases at this time. Looking at influenza as an example, winter tends to be a difficult time for people who are most susceptible to the virus, including pregnant women, children under five, elderly people and individuals with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions.
Preparing for the spike
The UK Health Security Agency monitors the prevalence of respiratory viruses from October to May – the months when influenza is typically at its highest. The weekly reports consistently demonstrate spikes in influenza-related hospital admission rates and GP consultations between November and the following January from 2015 to 2019. Covid-19 was more prolific than influenza in recent winters, although the latter seems to be making a return as of winter 2022-23, with cases of both viruses recently confirmed across the UK.
Environmental impact on viruses
Many respiratory viruses spread between people via aerosol or contact with pathogens. An infected host exhales droplets, which evaporate into the air, ready to either be inhaled by another unsuspecting person or fall onto surfaces.
There are several reasons why the rates of sickness tend to increase in the winter months. When it comes to respiratory viruses, three potential factors are believed to contribute to this phenomenon: virus stability in environmental conditions, human behaviours and environmental impact on host immune systems.
With regard to the temperature and humidity of the air, influenza has been shown to remain most stable and viable in lower temperatures and lower humidity. This reflects the temperatures often experienced in non-tropical climates in the winter months.
Human behaviour exacerbates the situation, with the colder weather driving people indoors for longer periods of time. More crowding indoors and a greater chance of contact with other people may increase the risk of viral infection.
In addition, the change in environmental conditions has been shown to affect humans in a way that influences viral transmission rates as well. For example, the nasal epithelium is cooled when a person inhales cold air, which in turn has been shown to hinder mucociliary clearance and lower the body’s natural defences.
Protection in the dental practice
Of course, influenza is not the only virus to pose a threat to dental practices. Others may include norovirus (the infamous winter vomiting bug), hepatitis B, C and D, HIV, measles, mumps, rubella and Covid-19. It is, therefore, vital that any infection prevention protocols put in place would be effective against all of these, as well as bacteria, fungi and spores.
While outdoor environmental factors cannot be controlled, there are still many things that the dental team can do to minimise the risk of spreading infection in the practice. For example, good ventilation can help to reduce airborne transmission. Frequent hand hygiene has been shown to significantly lower the risk of viral infection too, as has reduced touching of the eyes, nose and mouth. In addition, it is essential to routinely clean and disinfect surfaces throughout the practice, as influenza can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for 24-48 hours and on textiles or paper for eight to 12 hours.
Another crucial part of the infection control workflow to prevent the transmission of all pathogens in the dental practice is instrument sterilisation using an appropriate autoclave.
The Little Sister range of vacuum and non-vacuum autoclaves from Eschmann provides easy-to-use, highly reliable and durable solutions that suit the needs of every practice.
Eschmann has used its 60+ years of experience in autoclave design and manufacture to develop the latest models, which are available in a variety of capacities, including 11, 17 and 23 litres. The USB cycle data recorder and option to upgrade to the wireless Autolog cycle data manager also facilitate seamless digitised record keeping.
All equipment from Eschmann can be supported by the Eschmann Care & Cover service package, providing Annual Validation and Pressure Vessel Certification, Annual Service and Software Upgrades, Unlimited Breakdown Cover, Unlimited Eschmann Parts and Labour and on-site support from 50+ Eschmann engineers nationwide, as well as Enhanced CPD User training and technical telephone support.
Stay safe this winter
The risk of illness increases in the winter, so it is a good time to review and further optimise already meticulous infection control protocols in the dental practice. Several viruses pose a threat to patients and staff alike, but professionals can help keep everyone safe by following some simple yet essential steps every day.
For more information visit www.eschmann.co.uk