Patient Guide 
Key Information for Your Stay
5 Ways to Fight Infections

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

5 Ways to Fight Infections

The hospital is a place you come to get well, but you can also come in contact with germs that can make you feel worse. Reduce your chances of infection by taking these safety precautions.

1. Clean your hands.

  • after touching hospital objects or surfaces
  • before eating
  • after using the restroom

2. Ask hospital staff members to clean their hands. 

This should be standard practice, but don’t be afraid to remind them if they forget or to ask them to wear gloves when touching you. Ask visitors to clean their hands too!

3. Cover if you are sick.

If you or someone with  you has a cough or is sneezing, it is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue every time you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. Immediately throw the used tissue into the trash, and clean your hands afterwards. Try to remain at least three feet from others if possible. You may be asked to wear a mask.

4. Keep an eye on bandages or dressings. 

If a dressing on a wound or IV becomes loose or wet, let your nurse know. Also if you have a catheter or drainage tube, tell your nurse if it becomes loose or dislodged. 

5. Keep your vaccinations up-to-date. 

Make sure you are as protected as possible from the spread of infection. Check with hospital staff about whether it’s safe for you to receive any vaccines you might need.

Important Message

“We have a robust program for keeping hospital-associated infections to a very low rate. Our results can be seen on our website at www.medicare.gov/care-compare. We use state-of-the-art technology to screen and prevent hospital-acquired infections because we are diligent in our goal of creating a safer environment for our patients. Please help us get even better by following the policies on this page, especially handwashing. These policies prevent the exposure and transmission of germs between patients, families and employees. Thanks for your cooperation.”


— Jackie Taylor, M.D.

Chief Physician Executive

Cleaning Tip
Use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer under your nails, between your fingers, and on the palms and backs of your hands. Rub for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
Share by: