Infection Control
There are several infection control practices that we ask you to observe during your hospital stay.
Standard Precautions
Hospital staff take precautions to prevent contact with all patients’ blood or body fluids. Gloves, gowns, masks or face protection may be worn, depending upon the task being performed. Also, cough etiquette is important for all patients to follow to prevent the spread of infection. Inform your nurse if you have had fever and respiratory symptoms. Cover your cough with a tissue, discard the tissue in a trash container after use, and wash your hands or use a cleansing hand rub.
Isolation Precautions
Some infectious diseases require more than Standard Precautions. Special masks, garb, dedicated equipment, and door signage may be required. Your door may need to remain closed and you will be limited to your room if you require isolation precautions. You may continue to use the telephone, receive mail, watch television, and move around your room. You may receive a limited number of visitors; visitors may need to wear masks, gowns, or gloves.
Hand Hygiene
You will notice staff performing hand hygiene with alcohol hand rub or by washing their hands before and after providing care. You can help stop the spread of infection by performing hand hygiene:
- Before Eating
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- After using the restroom
- Whenever hands are soiled
Small bottles of hand sanitizer are available upon request. Remember, hand hygiene is the most important way to stop the spread of infection.