In today’s world, we are increasingly aware of illness and disease and are looking of ways to protect ourselves. While diseases evolve and our education of how they spread does too, the same foundations of how to keep ourselves safe can continue to be practical. Despite sanitary requirements, infections are spread each day in hospitals and healthcare facilitates. Infections can be spread through other people and things in our environment, such as medical equipment and medical devises. This happens through physical touch, spray or splashes, inhalation and through poking from a sharp, such as a needle. Despite the many avenues of infection, there are things you can do as a patient and/or healthcare provider to prevent the spread of infections and disease. Here are 5 ways you can help to prevent infections:
- Wash your hands. Make sure to wash your hands before eating or touching anything that comes in contact with your body. It is also okay to ask your healthcare provider if they have sanitized their hands, as well as friends and/or family who come to visit.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Avoid using your hand.
- Wear gloves, masks, gowns, etc. when needed or preferred. It is important to follow your medical facility’s guidelines for when to wear protective gear when visiting a patient.
- Take medications as prescribed. Follow your prescriber’s instructions and be sure to take all of your medications.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations. Make sure to ask your healthcare provider if you are up to date with your vaccinations if you work in or frequent a healthcare setting.
