Your Care at Home: Infection Control
Your Care at Home: Infection ControlInfections can often happen in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. But practicing good hygiene habits canhelp prevent the spread of infection in the hospital and at home. Follow this checklist for simple things you cando to help prevent an infection.While in the hospital: DO: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Make sure healthcare providers washtheir hands before and after treating you. Ask family and friends wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer whenthey come to visit you.If you have a catheter or IV: DO: Ask your healthcare provider when it can be removed. IV’s, and tubes whichdeliver fluids, medicine or nutrition to your body or urinary catheters can be a source of infection. So, makesure healthcare providers are checking them often.DO: Allow environmental services workers to clean and disinfect your hospital room. A clean room helps keepyou safe by reducing your risk of developing an infection.Once you are home from the hospital: DO: Keep your incision clean and protected with a clean, dry bandage.Call your healthcare provider if your incision is not healing.DO: Watch for signs of infection such as discharge from a wound, fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Talk toyour doctor if you think you have infection, or if you think your infection is not getting better or getting worse.DO: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom, before and afteryou eat, after you cough or sneeze. DO: Take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Talk toyour healthcare provider if you have any questions about the antibiotics you are taking.DO: Keep your vaccinations up to date. Get a flu shot each year to protect yourself and others from gettingsick.You can help to prevent the spread of infection to your friends and family by practicing healthy habits. Followthis checklist for the best ways to stop the spread on infection.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59334B EN YourCareatHomeInfectionControl.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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