Patient Guide
Key Information for Your Stay
5 Ways to Fight Infections
5 Ways to Fight Infections
The hospital is a place you come to get well, but you also can come
in contact with germs that can make you feel worse. Ask friends and family not to visit if they are sick. You also can reduce your chances of infection by taking the following safety precautions:
1. Clean your hands.
- after touching hospital objects or surfaces
- before and after eating
- after using the restroom
2. Ask hospital staff members to clean their hands.
We ask that all staff members clean their hands when entering and exiting your room. This should be standard practice, but don’t be afraid to remind them if they forget.
3. Cover your cough if you are sick.
If you are sick or have an infection, limit the spread of germs by sneezing and coughing into tissues, promptly throwing them away and avoiding touching others. Ask the staff if there is anything else you should do—like wear a surgical mask—to prevent the spread of germs.
4. Keep an eye on bandages or dressings.
If a bandage or dressing covering a wound, incision or IV site becomes loose, wet or painful, notify your nurse. Also if you have a catheter or drainage tube, tell your nurse if it becomes loose or dislodged.
5. Keep your vaccinations up-to-date.
Make sure you are as protected as possible from the spread of infection. Check with hospital staff about whether it’s safe for you to receive any vaccines you might need.
No Soap? No Problem.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are as effective as soap and water for killing most germs. To use, apply the cleaner to the palm of your hand, and rub your hands together. Keep rubbing over all the surfaces of your fingers and hands until they are dry.
Some infections can spread easily, so staff and visitors may be asked to wear isolation clothing like gowns and masks. Your doctors or nurses also may take extra precautions. This is the best way to reduce the spread of these infections.