Infectious Disease

Try to strengthen your immune system prior to entering the hospital, to lower the chances of being infected with anything, especially during surgery. 1. Ask everyone to wash their hands before touching you.
2. Ask medical professionals to wash their hands and put on a fresh pair of disposable gloves before touching you.(Some patients are nervous about asking medical professionals to do this. If you are polite, and explain that you are nervous about the highly publicized MRSA and C.diff, or some other simple explanation, your request will go down easier)
3. Ask your advocate to bring in bleach wipes for meal tray tables, bed rails, TV remote control etc.. as they are covered with germs/bacteria.
4. If you are able to get out of bed, wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water for 20 seconds. Use bacterial gel often, but it is not effective for MRSA, C.diff and others.
5. Ask your doctor to swab his/her stethoscope (round flat part) with an alcohol wipe before touching you. Think about where that instrument has been before you.
6. Ask your doctor if you can be screened for MRSA before you enter the hospital.
7. Research your hospital's infection rates.
8. If you are to have surgery, ask if you can avoid being shaved. Razors can leave nicks, open sites. You don't want any open sore or cut where bacteria can enter.
9. Keep your fingers away from your nose, mouth and eyes.
10. Enlist the help of a loved one to help you with these tasks as you are recovering if you are in the hospital.