3.1. Describe how infection is spread

Qualification: Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health and Social Care
Unit: 1.5: Awareness of health and safety in health and social care (adults and children and young people), early years and childcare
Learning outcome: 3. Know what contributes to the reduction of the spread of infection in health and social care (adults and children and young people), early years and childcare settings
Assessment criteria: 3.1. Describe how infection is spread

• Infections are caused by microorganisms called pathogens (e.g. bacteria, virus etc.)
• Pathogens are transferred from a ‘reservoir’ to a person (e.g. if they touch it)
• Pathogens enter the body of a person through the mouth, nose or breaks in the skin (e.g. if they have pathogens on their fingers and touch their lips)
• Pathogens exit the body of a person through bodily fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, vomit, urine etc.)