There are many things you can do while you are hospitalized to help protect yourself from hospital infections. Below are tips to help keep you infection-free while you are in the hospital.

• Wash your hands regularly. The simple act of washing your hands is perhaps the single most effective way you can avoid getting an infection. It's equally important to help your doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to remember to wash their hands as well. And don't assume everything is OK as long as gloves are worn–if your doctor did not wash his or her hands before putting the gloves on, then the gloves are already contaminated.
• Make sure hospital staff cleans and disinfects any surfaces or equipment you may come in contact with, such as bed rails, sinks, and medical equipment. A common source of bacteria are stethoscopes, which caregivers often do not clean between patients. Before your doctor or nurse uses a stethoscope, ask that it be cleaned with alcohol.
• Ask anyone who is coughing to wear a mask or stay at least six feet away from you. This will help reduce your risk of getting an infection that is transmitted through the air. If possible, have family and friends postpone visits if they are feeling ill.
• Watch for proper catheter use, and ask about your options. Catheters are long, thin flexible tubes that are inserted in your body to deliver or remove fluids. Because they enter through the skin or a body opening, they can allow infections to enter your body. Ask your doctor about the benefits of using a catheter that is coated with antibiotics or silver-chlorhexidine to reduce infections. Try to avoid a urinary tract catheter if possible, as this is one of the most common sources of infection.
• Avoid touching your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes, or setting food or utensils on the furniture or bed. Some types of germs can live for many days on surfaces and can cause infections if they get into your nose, eyes, or mouth.
• If you have an IV, make sure that it's cleaned properly when inserted and removed, and that it's changed every 3 to 4 days. The person treating you should clean your skin where the IV is inserted, and should be wearing clean gloves. If any redness appears, alert hospital staff immediately.
• Remind your doctor that you may need to take an antibiotic before having surgery. For many surgeries, you should receive an antibiotic an hour or so before your surgery to help prevent a surgical site infection. If you don't receive an antibiotic before your surgery, ask your doctor whether one is necessary.
• Remember that there are some things beyond your control and expertise. You've researched your healthcare provider, and reviewed infection rates at different hospitals. You've been an active participant in your medical care, paying close attention, and not hesitating to ask questions or let someone know if you think something may be wrong. Now you can know that you have done everything in your power to protect yourself from hospital infection. Remember, in most cases, your healthcare providers are trying their best to prevent infection as well.