The candida auris infection has been around for over a decade and is spread through direct contact. While it is not particularly lethal, some cases are more severe than others. Prevention measures for candida auris include keeping your hands clean and protected, disinfecting surfaces and equipment, and isolation from infected patients. Nitrile gloves are the most commonly used disposable gloves in the healthcare industry due to their chemical resistance and durability to protect against infections.
What is Candida Auris?
Candida auris was discovered in Japan in 2009 and has now spread to several countries worldwide. A species of fungus, c. auris, grows as yeast and is most commonly spread throughout healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. It is transmitted by direct contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, and others infected.
The infection can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to its resistance to antifungal medications. A drug-resistant germ like yeast makes treating and eliminating infections very tricky.
The Most Common Symptoms of Candida Auris
The signs and symptoms of candida auris often depend on what part of the body is infected; however, the most common symptoms of c. auris are:
- Fever
- Sweats
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Pain
- Low blood pressure
Candida auris can lead to ear, wound, and bloodstream infections. Wearing a clean pair of nitrile gloves when in contact with c. auris or in an environment where it could be present helps prevent the spread.
How Nitrile Gloves Protect from Infections
Nitrile gloves are certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). Infections are commonly transmitted through disposable gloves when a glove has been punctured. Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic, thick rubber, making it difficult to puncture or tear. The thicker the gloves, the more protection that is added. Infections and diseases can be picked up on disposable gloves when in contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment. Following safety and control measures when in contact with infections and conditions is essential.
Never touch your face, body parts, or anything that will come in contact with your body while wearing disposable gloves. Everything you touch is picked up on your glove and can be transferred to each other, meaning that if you touch a contaminated surface and eat a piece of food without removing the gloves and washing your hands—whatever was on your glove is transmitted to the food you consumed.
Proper Use of Nitrile Gloves
Wearing disposable nitrile gloves doesn’t always mean your whole body is protected from diseases and everything you touch. Following infection control and safety measures to prevent disease transmission is essential to best protect yourself from infection. Washing your hands thoroughly before putting on gloves is a requirement. Snug-fitted gloves are most optimal for preventing any bacteria from entering the glove. Nitrile gloves have a fitted yet breathable cuff to prohibit any moisture or particles from coming into contact with your hands inside the glove. If a glove is too loose for your hands, you can’t ensure disease prevention.
Dispose of Your Gloves
The most common mistake someone can make is not replacing their gloves when it has a puncture in them, even if it is minimal. Bacteria and funguses can quickly get through a small opening and contact your skin. Consistent glove checks to ensure no tears are crucial for your and your patient’s health. Oil-resistant, waterproof, and chemical-resistant—nitrile gloves suit most conditions and environments. These gloves are still disposable—they are single-use and should be changed after each patient or project. Once used, all gloves should go in the trash and never be worn again.
Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing disease or infection transmission. One of the most common ways to practice hand hygiene is to consistently wash your hands, even if you think they are clean. In healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes, your patient’s health depends on your health. If you are not practicing hand hygiene when dealing with patients, you could get sick and spread germs or infections with them.
According to the CDC, the proper method for washing your hands is with water and soap for approximately 20 seconds before and after everything you do or touch—especially for a patient. In most healthcare settings, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is authorized. For example, you must clean your hands if you blow your nose or sneeze, go to the bathroom, prepare a meal, handle raw meat, take garbage, or touch a dirty surface.
Why Nitrile Gloves Are the Best Choice
In high-risk environments, companies and employees want to ensure that their products, customers, and patients are satisfied and adequately taken care of. Nitrile gloves provide the most reliable and sustainable option for disposable gloves in the healthcare industry and many others. While wearing gloves might not always prevent the spread of infections such as candida auris, they can certainly facilitate it.
