How You Can Avoid Getting Infected
By: Katharine Greider; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2007-01-03 14:31:00-05:00
By Katharine Greider
January 2007
Hospitals can take steps to protect you from infection. But here are things experts say you can do to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands frequently. And don’t be shy about reminding doctors, nurses and aides to wash theirs.
- People who smoke or are overweight are more susceptible to infection, so try to quit and lose before surgery.
- Wash with 4 percent chlorhexidine antibiotic soap for several days before surgery.
- Ask your doctor for a nasal swab test for MRSA.
- Be sure the doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you before surgery.
- Don’t allow the doctor to shave the surgical site — tiny cuts from the razor can get infected. Use hair clippers.
- Ask friends and family to stay away if they’re ill, and ask the doctor to limit the number of aides and medical students in your room.
- Call a nurse promptly if IVs or catheters become loose or damaged; the sites should be kept clean and dry.
Finally, if you can’t speak for yourself, have a family member or friend advocate for you.
Additional Related Links
Battling the Superbug (January 2007)
Making Surgery Safer, One Patient at a Time (October 2006)
Fatal Mistakes (November 2004)
Health Care Safety: What to Look For (November 2004)
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