Protecting early intervention providers from disease

The work of early intervention providers (EIPs) demands close contact with infants and children who often harbor infections. This article focuses on s trategies to protect the EIP from occupationally acquired infectious illnes ses. Three infection prevention strategies organize the article: (1) immuni zation, (2) exposure limitation, sind (3) minimization of risk of infection after exposure and prevention of further spread of infection. Disease-spec ific post-exposure prevention strategies also are described. Percutaneous e xposure to blood or body fluids requires management by a post-exposure spec ialist, and a protocol must be in place ro organize this follow-up. Hand wa shing remains the single most important measure EIPs can use to prevent sel f-inoculation and transmission of pathogens.