Guidelines for the prevention of infection and cross-infection in the domestic environment (first published in 1998, revised in 2004)

The aim of this document is to provide current guidelines on the most appropriate procedures to be used in preventing infection and cross-infection in the domestic environment. It contains sections on general hygiene, hand hygiene, personal hygiene, food hygiene and also hygiene in situations where there is more risk. It is anticipated that these guidelines will be continually updated to take account of new research in the area of home hygiene. The objective of this document is to give guidance to doctors, pharmacists, veterinary surgeons, community nurses, midwives, health visitors, environmental health officers, teachers of home economics and other healthcare professionals who are involved in advising the public on all aspects of hygiene in their daily lives. These guidelines were prepared by the IFH Scientific Advisory Board. The evidence base which was used for development of these Guidelines is summarised in the following IFH review documents: “The infection potential in the home and the role of hygiene practice in reducing infection”, “Hygiene procedures in the home and their effectiveness: a review of the scientific evidence base” and “The effectiveness of hand hygiene procedures in reducing risks of infections in home and community settings including handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers”.