How to Survive a Hospital Stay

If you've picked up a newspaper or watch the news, you know that staying in a hospital has gotten a little bit scarier these days. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that over 2 million patients have gotten a serious infection during on outpatient or inpatient stay in a hospital. More than 90,000 of patients will die mainly due to infections that could have been prevented.

It pays to keep alert of your surroundings during your hospital stay for any signs. Here are some tips on how to reduce your risk of getting an infection:

Ask the staff to wash their hands before treating you.

Ask that the diaphragm of the stethoscope be wipe with an alcohol pad before using it.

If you need a central line catheter ask your doctor about one that is antibiotic-impregnated or silver-chlorhexidine coated to reduce infections.

If you need surgery, do your research and fine a doctor with a low infection rate. They know about infection rates and if your physician refuses to tell you. Find another one.

Do not take "I already did' for an answer. If you ask a staff member to wash their hands or disinfect their stethoscope and this is their reply. Ask them to do it again. If they refuse, ask for another staff member who will comply.

Stop smoking way before your surgery. Smokers have 3 times more of a chance of getting a surgical site infection than non-smokers. Or quit altogether. Non-smokers have a better rate of a speedy recovery than smokers.

Ask to be kept warm during surgery. Research has shown that surgical patients that are kept warm are less likely to develop infections than those who are not. Special blankets, warmed IV liquids, booties, etc all help in warding off infection.

Do not shave the surgical area before surgery. If hair is the problem, request it be snipped away. One small razor cut can lead to a major infection later.

Request the number of people in surgery be limited. Less people; less chances to catch something that you didn't bring in with you.

Request staff wear gloves and, in some cases, masks. You don't know where they just came from and there is no need to spend germs that they might have picked up off another patient.

Avoid urinary tract catheters! As annoying as they are, request a diaper or bedpan.

If you have to have an IV, request that it's inserted and removed after 4 days in clean conditions. If there is any sign of redness, alert a staff member.

Get to know hospital hierarchy, read nametags and demand a nurse supervisor if you feel as if the staff is not listening to your needs. Nursing Supervisors are usually the highest-ranking staff member, especially at night, who can be obtained quickly.

Always have a friend, relative or patient advocate at your side taking notes and making you're not only getting the right medicine but the right amounts are being given.

These steps may keep you a little healthier while you are in a hospital. In a world full of new infections and diseases, awareness and prevention may be the best medicine after all.