Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)

There are things you can do that will help lower your risk for an infection if you are going to stay in a healthcare facility.

Take care of your general health - People in poor health are more likely to get HAIs, and to become sicker than others. Obesity, diabetes, and blocked arteries all interfere with healing. Smoking  interferes with healing, and also dameages the airways, making lung infections more likely. Quit smoking if you know you will be staying in a healthcare facility for a period of time.

Tell your doctor of any current or recent illnesses - a cold or the flu can lead to a chest infection, so let your doctor or the hospital staff know if you are not feeling well.

Keep track of your medications - let your doctor or nurses know all the medications you are currently taking, especially if any are antibiotics or steroids.

Get vaccinated to avoid disease and fight the spread of infection - make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date (children and adults). Check with your doctor about shots you may need.

Vaccinations are available to prevent these diseases:

During your stay in the healthcare facility, these steps can help reduce your chance of getting an infection while there: 

Participate in Your Care

• Let your nurse know if your gowns or linens are soiled. 
• If you have an intravenous catheter, it is important to keep the skin around the catheter clean and dry. Tell the nurse promptly if the dressing is loose or wet. 
• The same goes for a dressing on a wound. Let your nurse know if it becomes loose or wet. 
• If you have a urinary catheter or wound drainage tube, let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged.
• Follow all medical instructions carefully and completely, including how to do your deep breathing exercises, how to care for your wounds, what activities to avoid, and how long to use antibiotics.
• Practice good hygiene, and request it of your medical staff and visitors.
• Ask staff to clean surfaces in your room and disinfect medical equipment if you do not see them doing it.
• Surfaces in your room that are frequently touched such as bedrails, bedside table, doorknobs, toilet, sinks, and other surfaces and medical equipment, should be disinfected daily. If you do not see these surfaces being cleaned, ask that it be done. Some cleaning may take place when you are not in the room, and it is always OK to ask.

Know the Signs of an Infection

Before you go home, make sure you understand what signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Unexpected pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Pus
• Drainage
• Increased redness or swelling around a cut or wound.

Speak Up!

Pay attention to what is going on around you. If you have questions or if something doesn’t seem right, ask your doctor or healthcare staff about it.

When you leave the hospital, these steps can improve your health:

Follow Your Doctors Orders

Report Signs and Symptoms of Infection