Infection Prevention

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors at all times. Our Department of Epidemiology and Infection Control promotes patient safety by working alongside physicians, nurses, and other deparments to reduce the risk of acquiring and transmitting infections of all kinds.

YOU are your best defense against viruses and other infections. Follow these simple tips to keep you and your family healthy:

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. I realize this is easier said than done but please do your best to be self-aware about this!
Staying home when you are sick. I cannot stress how important this is to limiting the spread of disease.
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, including your phone, computer, remote controls and doorknobs
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. This is probably the single most powerful protection tool and is vital to preventing the spread of viruses.
Using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available (Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty)
Practicing social distancing behaviors, including working from home, avoiding public gatherings and unnecessary travel, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others when possible.

Our infection preventionists manage and treat a wide range of infectious diseases as well as work to lower patients' risk of acquiring hospital based infectious diseases. Additional information on some of these may be found below:

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We continue to work closely with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that we are prepared with appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Updates & Information

Ebola

Ebola Virus Disease is a rare and deadly disease that is native to several African countries. It is caused by infection with Ebola virus. The threat of a widespread outbreak of Ebola in the United States is very low. The CDC and the Federal Government are taking many measures to help prevent spread of Ebola in the U.S..

Learn more about Ebola from the CDC

Enterovirus D-68

Enterovirus D-68 (EV-D68) is a type of virus that causes upper respiratory illness. EV-D68 is a non-polio enterovirus. Non-polio enteroviruses are very common viruses, causing 10 to 15 million infections in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Learn more about EV-D68 from the CDC

Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff)

Clostridioides difficile, or C.diff, is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis, or inflammation of the colon. C.diff infections are contagious and can be deadly. Those at highest risk of aquiring C. diff include hospitlized patients who are 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems or those with previous infections. Help us reduce the risk of C. diff by not using patient restrooms and washing your hands regularly.

Learn more about C.Diff from the CDC

Sepsis

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have —in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else—triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. The signs of sepsis may include: high heart rate; fever, shivering or cold; confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath; extreme pain; and/or clammy or sweaty skin.

Learn more about Sepsis from the CDC