Mastering Infection Control: Essential Skills for Respiratory Therapy Students This Cold and Flu Season
- elhaustveit
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 26
Our newest respiratory therapy students facing their first crucial task: mastering infection control. With the cold and flu season upon us, understanding infection control practices is vital, not only for their professional development but also for their personal health. Best practices can lead to healthier communities and fewer sick days during this peak season.
The Importance of Infection Control
Stopping the spread of infections, particularly in environments where patients are at risk, is important to understand. Respiratory therapy students in the CHI St. Alexius/University of Mary program interact closely with patients who are often vulnerable. This interaction starts as quickly as their first semester!
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Research shows that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect around 1 in 31 hospital patients on any given day, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs. By learning how to effectively implement infection control measures, students can protect themselves, their patients, and their peers.
Infection control is more than just guidelines; it is a culture every healthcare professional must embrace. As future respiratory therapists, students will provide treatments that directly affect a patient’s respiratory health. Thus, they must effectively minimize infection risks.
Hand Washing: The First Line of Defense
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that washing hands reduces the risk of respiratory infections by about 21%.
For respiratory therapy students, knowing how to wash hands correctly is crucial. It’s not simply running them under water; it involves:
Using soap and water
Scrubbing for at least 20 seconds
Thoroughly drying hands
This seemingly simple task can eliminate harmful germs and viruses present on their hands.
With close quarters in classrooms and dorms during cold and flu season, maintaining a rigorous hand cleaning routine is important. College students often share spaces—like libraries and dining halls—where germs can quickly spread. Emphasizing hand washing can significantly reduce the incidence of illness among students, enabling them to focus on their studies.
Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
The cold and flu season poses unique challenges for college students focused on their studies. Illness can lead to missed classes and lower academic performance.
Prioritizing hand hygiene can reduce the risk of falling sick. Students should wash their hands regularly, particularly:
Before eating
After using the restroom
After being in public spaces
Additionally, remember other infection control measures to support their health. These include:
Using hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable
Avoiding face-touching, which can introduce germs
Keeping personal study spaces clean
These practices, when combined with consistent hand washing, create a strong safety net against infections.
Building a Culture of Infection Control
As new students in respiratory therapy, this cohort has a chance to promote a strong culture of infection control. Sharing knowledge and experiences can motivate peers to adopt beneficial health habits. Leading by example—demonstrating effective hand washing techniques and raising awareness—can help encourage a commitment to health and safety.
By fostering a community that prioritizes infection control, students can significantly contribute to the well-being of their campus, especially during the cold and flu season. Together, they can create an environment that supports health and learning.
Great work to our students! Thank you for your hard work in class and for contributing to a healthier community!
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