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Hospitals are places of healing—but they also present a risk of infection if proper precautions aren’t taken. Whether you’re undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment, or staying for observation, it’s essential to understand how infections happen and how to prevent them during your hospital stay.
Infections acquired in hospitals are known as HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections). These include urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, surgical site infections, and bloodstream infections. While hospitals maintain high hygiene standards, the risk is never zero.
This article outlines practical, evidence-based steps you and your loved ones can take to reduce the risk of infection and stay safe during hospitalization.
1. Understand the Common Types of Hospital Infections
Knowing what infections are most common in hospitals can help you and your caregivers stay alert. The main types include:
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Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs): Caused by prolonged use of urinary catheters.
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Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs): Linked to central venous catheters (IVs inserted into large veins).
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Surgical Site Infections (SSIs): Occur at or near a surgical incision.
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Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): A risk for patients on mechanical ventilation.
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Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infections: Caused by bacteria that thrive after antibiotic use, leading to severe diarrhea.
These infections can delay recovery, increase hospital costs, and in severe cases, be life-threatening. But the good news is: many HAIs are preventable.
2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
The number one defense against infection in hospitals is hand hygiene. You should:
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after touching surfaces.
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Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap isn’t available.
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Don’t hesitate to remind nurses, doctors, or visitors to clean their hands before touching you or your equipment.
Many hospitals have signs that encourage this behavior, and staff are trained to follow strict hand hygiene protocols. You have the right to speak up if you notice a lapse.
3. Keep Your Environment Clean
Hospital rooms are cleaned regularly, but some surfaces may still harbor bacteria. To reduce your exposure:
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Wipe down frequently touched items such as:
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Bed rails
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Remote controls
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Phones or call buttons
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Tabletops or bedside trays
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Ask staff to clean or replace visibly dirty linens or equipment.
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Limit the number of personal items brought from home and keep them organized.
Some patients choose to bring disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch items. Be sure to ask staff before using products that could interfere with hospital procedures or equipment.
4. Be Informed About Catheters and IV Lines
Medical devices like urinary catheters or central lines are sometimes necessary, but they carry infection risks. Here’s how to reduce that risk:
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Ask your doctor why the device is needed and how long it will be used.
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Ensure staff clean their hands before handling your catheter or IV.
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Report any signs of infection at the site (redness, swelling, pain, or discharge).
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Request daily evaluations to determine if the device can be removed sooner.
The shorter the duration of device use, the lower your infection risk.
5. Manage Surgical Site Safety
If you’re undergoing surgery, your risk of infection can be minimized before and after the procedure.
Before surgery:
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Shower with antibacterial soap if instructed.
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Avoid shaving the surgical area, which can irritate the skin.
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Follow all preoperative instructions carefully.
After surgery:
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Keep the wound clean and dry.
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Follow dressing change instructions exactly as prescribed.
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Alert the care team if you notice fever, increased pain, pus, or a foul odor at the incision.
Wound care is crucial, and hospital staff should guide you on proper at-home management before you’re discharged.
6. Be Cautious with Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics save lives, but overuse or misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance or secondary infections like C. diff. You can help reduce risks by:
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Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed—don’t skip doses or stop early.
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Not demanding antibiotics if they’re not needed (like for viral infections).
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Informing your doctor if you’ve had prior issues with antibiotics, such as allergic reactions or C. diff infections.
Hospital staff often follow antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure medications are prescribed responsibly.
7. Watch for Early Signs of Infection
During your hospital stay, be aware of symptoms that might indicate infection:
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Fever or chills
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Redness, swelling, or pain around IVs or wounds
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Coughing or shortness of breath
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Burning sensation when urinating
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Diarrhea or abdominal pain
Reporting symptoms immediately to your care team can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment—possibly preventing serious complications.
8. Limit Visitors and Screen for Illness
Visitors are important for morale, but they can unintentionally bring germs into the hospital. To stay safe:
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Ask sick friends or family members to postpone visits.
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Limit the number of visitors in your room.
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Ensure all visitors wash their hands and follow hospital guidelines (masks, gowns, etc.).
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Ask staff to enforce visitor restrictions if needed.
Some hospital units—like oncology or ICU—have stricter rules to protect vulnerable patients.
9. Stay Informed and Involved
Being an informed patient is one of the best protections against infection. Don’t be afraid to:
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Ask what steps are being taken to prevent infection in your case.
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Request that your care team follows infection control best practices.
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Learn how to care for yourself after discharge to continue minimizing infection risk at home.
If you’re unable to manage this yourself, assign a trusted family member or advocate to help track your care and ask questions.
10. After Discharge: Infection Prevention at Home
Infections can still develop after you leave the hospital. To stay safe:
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Follow all discharge instructions, especially regarding wound care and medication.
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Keep follow-up appointments for labs or checkups.
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Continue hand hygiene and clean your home environment.
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Monitor for any signs of infection and contact your doctor immediately if they appear.
Some patients may need home health visits for dressing changes or physical therapy. Ensure those providers also practice strict hygiene.
Conclusion
While hospitals have made great strides in infection control, patients play a vital role in their own safety. Practicing good hygiene, staying informed, and speaking up when something seems off are powerful ways to reduce your risk.
By taking these steps, you can focus on what really matters—healing and recovery—without the added complication of a preventable infection.
Remember: you are your best advocate when it comes to protecting your health. Stay alert, stay clean, and stay empowered.