There are some nasty infections and if you acquire one in the hospital they call it a nosocomial infection. Regardless, it is very expensive to treat infection and you can be quite sick. There are other things you can do to help prevent or control infection.
Wash your own hands too! I can not begin to count the number of patients I have cared for that are bedbound and who do not wash their hands after toileting themselves or before eating or touching things. I have become something of a germophobe because of this.
Bring baby or disinfectant wipes to the hospital if you can.
Don't touch any rashes or incisions or other wounds on your body unless instructed in proper care. You too can use the gloves in the box on the wall if you want to.
Advise visitors to not let their children play on the floor or in your bed and to leave children at home if you have an active infection or they do.
Expect to see alcohol swabs used when accessing your intravenous ports or when getting an injection of any kind. If you don't see them used, speak up!
Keep your feet covered when out of bed. I know where MY shoes have been! Do you?
Report any uncontained drainage immediately along with any suspicions of problems with an IV such as redness or swelling or pain. Don't insist on a catheter as they are portals for infection but, if you have one, ask your doctor to monitor you for infection and put you on an appropriate antibiotic if one is needed.
If you are in special isolation precautions don't breathe on your visitors and insist they wear the gloves, gowns or face masks that your nurse does if they are getting close.
One other important thing is to always turn your face to the side when your nurse, doctor or respiratory therapist is listening to your lungs. It's much appreciated!
If you are incontinent try to bring a supply of the appropriate briefs or pads and do not insist on wearing pants if you have a draining wound or sanitary issues. You may sit on a chair that your family member then sits on. Don't make me paint a picture here!
