Preventing Infections

Infections can occur after many types of medical procedures. This is particularly true if you are having surgery. There are several things you can do to help prevent infections from developing in the hospital:

• Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material. This is especially important after you have used the bathroom.
• You are part of your health care team so do not be afraid to remind doctors and nurses about washing their hands before working with you.
• If you have an intravenous catheter, keep the skin around the dressing clean and dry. Tell your nurse promptly if the dressing works loose or gets wet.
• If you have a dressing on a wound, let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged.
• If you have diabetes, be sure that you and your doctor discuss the best way to control your blood sugar before, during and after your hospital stay. High blood sugar increases the risk of infection noticeably.
• If you are overweight, losing weight will reduce the risk of infection following surgery.
• If you are a smoker, you should consider a smoking cessation program. This will reduce the chance of developing a lung infection while in the hospital and may also improve your healing abilities following surgery.
• Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding breathing treatments and getting out of bed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice or sufficient pain medications!
• If possible, ask your friends and relatives not to visit if they are ill.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your care so that you may fully understand your treatment plan and expected outcomes. You and your family/friends will be able to better facilitate your recovery.

Issued by the National Patient Safety Foundation, 2002.