For Patients

Stay alert for infections

The CDC estimates that one in 31 U.S patients get infections associated with their healthcare. These infections can have significant emotional, financial, and medical consequences. Worst of all, these infections can be deadly. But they can be prevented! Protect yourself and your family from these harmful germs by being aware of your health and surroundings.

Watch your symptoms

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms of an infection:

Fever
Chills and sweats
Change in cough or a new cough
Sore throat or new mouth sore
Shortness of breath
Nasal congestion
Pain (especially the abdomen, flank, suprapubic areas)
Burning or pain with urination
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Five things to know if you have an HAI

HAIs are not spread through the air. They spread through contact with a person, items they have touched, or their body fluids (like from a wound, blood, or stool).
Healthcare staff may need to take extra measures when caring for you, to keep from spreading germs to others, like wearing gowns and gloves. They may need to clean your room more often.
You may have an HAI for a short while, or for a long time. Your doctor will let you know how long you can expect to have an HAI, and what you'll need to do.
You may have an HAI in your body, but not feel sick (i.e., colonized). Not everyone who has an HAI will need treatment. Your doctor will let you know if you need medicine.
Healthy people usually don't get HAIs. There is minimal risk to people you live with, unless they have other risk factors (like being over 65 years old, living in a nursing home, being immunocompromised, etc.).

What should you do if you have an HAI

Wash your hands and maintain good hygiene. Infections are often caused by interacting with a dirty environment. By staying on top of your hygiene, it reduces your risk of contracting additional illness during your treatment process.
If your doctor gives you antibiotics, take all the antibiotics as prescribed. This prevents bacteria from becoming resistant to the drug.
If you have a wound, keep the wound clean by changing dressings frequently and don't pick at the skin or scab.
Don't share personal items like towels, clothing, bar soap, razors.

How to talk to your doctor

To reduce the risk of getting other infections during your healthcare stay, ask your doctor questions like:

What caused this and how can I avoid it in the future?
What can I do to prevent this from spreading to other people like friends and family?
How do I use my prescribed medication?
How long will it take until I feel better?
When should I follow up with you?
What can I do to help my symptoms at home?

You are taking strides in managing an infection and keeping others safe! Stay informed on your treatments and ways to prevent others from getting infections.

Resources for You

Learn more about how to be a safe patient and protect others from HAIs.