Preventing COVID-19 using the Swiss Cheese Model

One of the best ways to fight this virus is to follow the Swiss Cheese Model of risk reduction. The Swiss Cheese Model, created by James Reason in the 1990s, was adapted by health officials when the pandemic began. It offers a visual depiction of how a variety of strategies can work together to prevent COVID-19 infection.

February 22, 2022 Newsroom

Although case numbers are declining, COVID-19 is still prevalent in the community. As of Feb. 21, CoxHealth had 77 COVID-19 positive patients.

One of the best ways to fight this virus is to follow the Swiss Cheese Model of risk reduction. The Swiss Cheese Model, created by James Reason in the 1990s, was adapted by health officials when the pandemic began. It offers a visual depiction of how a variety of strategies can work together to prevent COVID-19 infection.

The diagram shows several layers of infection prevention using slices of Swiss cheese, each with holes in different locations. With COVID-19 depicted on one side and individuals pictured on the other side, the model shows how these preventative layers block the virus from getting to the people. Neal DeWoody, interim director of infection prevention at CoxHealth, says no single intervention is going to be 100% effective, but if all or most are in place there will be higher prevention.

Some of the slices include:

  • Masking
    • Loose fitting masks, cloth masks and procedure masks, are meant to protect others from the mask wearer, but there are still some masks that do in fact protect the wearer, such as the N95.
    • Masks are meant to protect others from yourself. DeWoody says the mask prevents droplets from your mouth and nose from getting into the air and contaminating another person, especially if the droplets contain viruses like COVID-19.
  • Vaccine
    • Vaccines are used to train our bodies to become immune and be able to fight an infection.
    • Vaccines wane over time, which is why it is important to get a booster shot.
    • The most important key about vaccines is that they prevent severe illness and death.
    • You may still get sick but it will be more mild.
  • Hand hygiene
    • Another layer of prevention is hand washing. As simple as it sounds, DeWoody says this is the number 1 infection prevention.
    • Wash your hands frequently and well.

Other preventions include physical distancing, avoiding touching your face, limiting your time in a crowded setting, and following the latest guidelines.

In the Ozarks, seeing the decrease in Omicron patients is encouraging but it does not mean that the pandemic is over. If you have not yet received a vaccine booster, it is highly recommended you do so. As previously reported, the CDC says those who have received a booster are 97 times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who are unvaccinated. COVID-19 boosters make a significant, positive difference with COVID death rates, regardless of your age or health.

Learn more and make your appointment to get a booster here: https://www.coxhealth.com/covid/

Reference: This image of the Swiss Cheese Model is adapted from one created by Australian Virologist Dr. Ian Mackay. Dr. Mackay created his pandemic version of the model in 2020. To learn more about his version click here.

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