Effective infection prevention in the hospital can be simple and inexpensive. Discover five things seniors can do to help make a hospital stay as safe as possible.
Most people who enter a hospital do not expect to acquire a new infection during their stay; however, the numbers for hospital-acquired infections are sobering. For example:
- According to the Center for Disease Control’s estimates, over two million patients experience a hospital-acquired infection per year, and 88,000 of those people will die as a direct or indirect result of that infection.
- According to William Jarvis’s 2000 article “Nosocomial Pneumonia” in Lung Biology in Health and Disease, at least 5% of patients receiving acute care in a hospital develop a hospital-acquired lung infection. Infection rates are much higher in certain high-risk populations and treatment areas.
- Matthew Weinstock’s 2009 article “It’s Just That Simple” in Hospitals and Health Networks points out that healthcare workers adhere to hand hygiene protocols 25-90% of the time, with 40% being the average. This article suggests that 90% of nosocomial infections can be prevented by proper hand washing.
- Potentially fatal infections by MRSA (methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are most commonly contracted in healthcare facilities, according to the 2009 article “Hospital superbug’s damage is spreading” in Ebony.
Names for Infections Acquired in the Hospital
New infections that occur during a hospital stay are known by several names, including
- nosocomial
- hospital-acquired
- healthcare-associated
Here are five suggestions for senior patients to help prevent the spread of infection in hospitals.
Hand Hygiene
- Hand washing is a simple procedure has been proven to be the most effective way to prevent infection.
- Wash all hand surfaces with warm water and soap
- You may wish to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if your hands are not visibly soiled.
- Always wash your hands before handling food, after using the restroom or touching a pet, before and after visiting someone who is ill, and any other time that you touch contaminated surfaces.
- If a healthcare worker is going to touch you, you have the right to ask her if she has washed her hands. If the healthcare worker may come into contact with blood or body fluids, he should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves or a gown.
Avoid Infecting Others if You are Sick
- If you are ill, visit on the phone or internet rather than visiting someone face-to-face.
- If you are a patient in the hospital, remind others to do the same.
- If you have an appointment in the hospital, call your healthcare provider if you are ill to see if you need to take precautions to protect others in the waiting room.
- Many hospitals now routinely screen admitted patients for certain infections. This can help staff to identify special needs for infection control and appropriate treatment.
Use a Tissue or Sleeve When You Cough or Sneeze
- Rather than coughing or sneezing into your hand, use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- If you used your hand, make sure to wash your hands immediately.
- Droplets from an uncovered cough or sneeze can travel up to three feet.
Ensure That You are Up-to-Date on Any Necessary Vaccines
- Immunizations may prevent many common illnesses.
- Click here to see recommended vaccines for seniors.
- Check with your healthcare provider to see which vaccines are most appropriate for you.
- You may be asked about your immunization status upon admission to a hospital.
Supplies Should be Sanitized Before They Touch Your Skin
- You should have your own personal care items, such as hairbrush, toothbrush, bath basin, soap, shampoo, linens, towels, urinal, bedpan, etc. These should be clearly labeled with your name, especially if you are in a semi-private room.
- Healthcare workers should clean supplies before they touch your skin. This includes the flat part of the stethoscope, scales, and other commonly shared equipment.
- If you are not sure that supplies are properly cleaned while in the hospital, ask the personnel who are providing your care.
Will a Hospital Stay Make You Sicker?
Most people enter a hospital to seek appropriate treatment for an illness or injury. By applying some of these simple techniques, you can lessen your chances of acquiring a nosocomial infection during your hospital stay.
This article is for informational purposes and is not intended to be medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns related to your health or infection prevention.
Copyright Katrena Wells. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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