Safe Hospital Visits: Basic Infection Control Measures for Patients

When elderly folks travel to hospitals, infection safety is key. You may be on a routine follow-up and feeling very hale and hearty, but do remember there are a lot of unwell people in the same building.

It is crucial to understand that everyone around you is an infection vector—including the doctors, nursing staff, attender staff, security staff, and reception staff. Kindly understand your responsibility to protect yourself.

Essential Protective Measures

Always wear a mask within the hospital and ask for spirit hand rub from any hospital staff near you—they will know exactly where to get what you need. Consider these additional measures:

• Wear Masks: Encourage the elderly to wear masks consistently, especially in crowded waiting areas or elevators.
• Hand Hygiene: Use hand sanitizers or alcohol wipes frequently after touching surfaces.
• Avoid Touching Faces: Remind them strictly not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Social Distancing: Maintain a safe physical distance from other patients whenever possible.

"Prevention extends beyond the visit: Ensure the elderly are up-to-date on their vaccinations, specifically Flu and Pneumococcal shots."

In-Hospital Protocols

To minimize exposure risks while inside the facility:

• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down immediate surfaces they might touch, such as chair handles or counters.
• Follow Protocols: Strictly adhere to the hospital's specific rules regarding masking and designated waiting zones.
• Limit Visitors: Reduce the number of accompanying bystanders to lower the overall exposure to potential infections.