Preventing hospital-acquired infections at home and in clinics 

Some people have this belief that hospitals are disease-free, but they’re not.  Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are actually real. L

And should be taken seriously.

The good thing is that many of them can be prevented. 

• If you’re careful enough. 

What are hospital-acquired infections?

HAIs are infections you can get in health care places like 

• Hospitals
• Clinics 
• And even at home during health care 

Common types of hospital-acquired infections 

According to studies, common hospital-acquired infections are:

• Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)
• Catheter urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
• Surgical site infections 
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia 
• And Clostridium difficile infections 

Preventing hospital-acquired infections in the clinic or hospital 

Clean your hands 

Use soap and water to wash your hands for 20 seconds, especially before and after you touch a patient’s wound.

Or any medical equipment. 

If soap and water aren’t available, then you can use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

• It should have at least 60 percent alcohol in it. 

Don’t ever leave your hands unwashed. 

Be mindful of touches 

Before someone touches you, ask if they’ve washed their hands. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s a doctor or nurse, you have every right to feel safe. 

Be careful with surfaces 

Mind what you touch.

Use a tissue or paper towel to, 

• Open doors
• Press elevator buttons 
• Or equipment shared by others 

Protect yourself 

Use things like gloves, masks, and gowns when you’re with patients or on contaminated surfaces. 

Take care of wounds properly 

Properly take care of wounds by making sure they’re clean, dry, and covered, so bacteria won’t grow.

Reduce visitation 

Other tips 

Use UV-light devices to disinfect equipment and surfaces.

• Especially in places that could be infected. 

Try essential oils that have antimicrobial properties, that can help prevent infections.

• Like, tea tree oil. 

Preventing hospital-acquired infections at home 

1 . Clean your hands well once you get back from the hospital or clinic.

• Or any other public place. 

2 . Clean bed linens, towels, or clothing used by someone who’s been to the hospital, in hot water with detergent. 

• You can use bleach if it’s safe for them. 

3 . Find out from your doctor if you can take probiotics while under medications like antibiotics. 

• Antibiotics can disrupt good bacteria in your body, which may increase your risk of infections.

4 . Clean places where medical procedures are done.

5 . Throw away things like needles and gloves that were used to treat someone.

6 . Don’t allow too many visitors when you’re still trying to recover, as it will help reduce the risk of infections being introduced to your home..

And if you do have some visitors, tell them to follow good hand hygiene.