In 2003, the city of Toronto – home to almost five million people – was faced with a respiratory infection they had never seen before. The Canadian and American centers for infectious diseases were brought in to consult, and the verdict was something called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. It was a highly contagious disease that had originated in China and was making global headlines due to our jet-setting culture.

Almost overnight, everyone began carrying little bottles hand sanitizer. Hospitals instituted greater infection control procedures, including having this sanitizer available in every hallway, more frequent use of gloves and masks, and sealed ER rooms for respiratory and other contagious airborne issues. Non-drying antibacterial and antimicrobial hand soaps became available for doctors to use between patients.

It was very similar to the way, in the mid-1980s, that dental and medical practitioners began putting HIV prevention methods in place. Latex gloves became the norm. Red plastic boxes for biohazard and needle disposal were found in every doctor’s office, dentist and acupuncture clinic in North America. Special solvents and bleaches were developed to clean spilled blood.

In neo-natal units across the country, equipment is covered in plastic and other infection control supplies. Visitors are issued with sterile disposable clothing, masks and gloves. Personnel are in sanitary scrubs. The most vulnerable, tiny babies are protected from as much bacteria as science and industry has made possible.

As more is learned about disease and how it is spread, further precautions will be taken by those in the medical industry. Staying ahead on this curve will give any practice peace of mind knowing that their staff and patients are protected.