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Individuals go to the hospital to receive the care necessary for their health. But, some patients may be at risk of getting an infection while they are in the hospital. These are called hospital-acquired infections. Patients, families, and visitors play an important role in protecting themselves from infection. Examples of steps that patients and families can take to promote health and wellness include hand washing, cough, and sneeze etiquette and staying current with vaccinations for children and adults.
Hand sanitizer is for everyone. Learn more about handwashing by visiting the following links:
Clean Hands Save Lives, When & How to Wash Hands: Key Times and Tips
Patients and Visitors Clean Hands Count Fact Sheet
Just For The Kids - Hand Washing Helpful Videos
Sometimes a little song and a friend can go a long way in helping kids get cleaned up.
Henry the Hand Foundation - Helping people feel safer during the Coronavirus Pandemic by teaching the 4 principles of hand awareness! Watch the short video on their site to learn to stop touching the T-Zone and wash your hands. Spread the word not the germs! Written by Dr. Will to prevent a second wave.
Handwashing for Kids: Crawford Washes His Hands
Wash Your Hands with Baby Shark
Where can I learn more about infection prevention?
If you would like to learn more about germs, diseases and organisms in healthcare settings, like Candida auris, Influenza, and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has helpful information:
Diseases and Organisms in Healthcare Settings
The Joint Commission guides us with two valuable resources:
- The Joint Commission Speak Up™ To Prevent Infection Campaign
- The Joint Commission Video: Speak Up™ To Prevent Infection
Micromedex CareNotes is another valuable resource for patient education on infection prevention, and spread written in easy to read health literate levels. Ask your provider for more information.
Looking for more information on topics related to infection prevention?
Visit the CDC, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and visit the LIFE Center on the tenth floor Sky Lobby of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.