Preventing Infections: A Guide to Avoiding Diseases You Catch in the Hospital

Preventing Infections: A Guide to Avoiding Diseases You Catch in the Hospital

The hospital is a place where you go to get better, but sometimes, you can end up catching something even worse. Hospitals are known to have a higher risk of spreading infections due to the large number of sick patients and their compromised immune systems. However, there are proactive measures you can take to prevent infections and keep yourself healthy during your hospital stay.

Hand hygiene

The simplest and most effective way to prevent infection is also the most overlooked – washing your hands. Regular hand washing reduces the risk of spreading germs by killing the bacteria and viruses that may be present on your hands. Hospital staff are trained to wash their hands between patients and before and after performing procedures, but you can also ask them to wash their hands before they come near you.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are life-saving drugs that help fight infections. However, they are not always the answer. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are more difficult to treat. Therefore, it’s important to take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor and complete the full course as directed.

Vaccines

Vaccines are another effective way to prevent infections. Some vaccines commonly given in hospitals include the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccine. If you’re unsure if you’ve had a vaccine or not, you can ask your doctor to check your records.

Cleanliness

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial in preventing the spread of infections. Hospital staff should regularly clean surfaces, equipment, and patient rooms with disinfectants. However, you can also take steps to keep your surroundings clean by wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes and washing your hands often.

Protocols

Hospitals have protocols in place to prevent the spread of infections. For example, patients with infectious diseases may be isolated to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients. It’s important to follow these protocols and notify hospital staff if you notice a breach in protocol or if you think there’s a risk of infection.

Conclusion

Infections can occur in any medical setting, but you can take steps to prevent them. Hand hygiene, antibiotics, vaccines, cleanliness, and following protocols are all ways you can protect yourself during your hospital stay. By being proactive and taking responsibility for your own health, you can reduce the risk of getting sick and have a positive hospital experience.

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