Hand Hygiene
Good hand hygiene is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of germs. Germs can cause infections. Each patient and visitor plays an important role in preventing the spread of germs. Working together, we can prevent the spread of infection.
You can help prevent the spread of infection by:
- Washing your hands after toileting and when hands are soiled
- Using hand sanitizer or washing hands before eating
- Asking visitors and staff to clean their hands before and after time spent in your room
- Telling visitors not to visit you if they are ill (cold, flu, gastroenteritis, etc.)
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue then perform hand hygiene
- Bathing or showering daily with chlorhexidine solution while you are in the hospital
- Your nurse can provide information on hand hygiene and chlorhexidine bathing upon request
Isolation or Transmission-based Precautions
Your health care provider may tell you that you need isolation precautions. Isolation precautions are used to decrease the risk of spreading an illness or resistant germ to others. Your health care team may wear gowns, gloves, masks and/or eye protection while caring for you. If isolation precautions are used, you should not leave your hospital room unless there is a medical reason and you have been given instructions. It is important to follow the isolation precautions as explained by your health care provider. Everyone should wash their hands before entering and leaving the room. Information on your specific type of isolation is available upon request.