Medical Health Care Information - Preventing Hospital Infections

Hospital spread infections are on the rise. There are many reasons for this ever increasing epidemic, and it is going to be up to each one of us to protect ourselves.

Let's face it, many hospitals are under staffed, making it harder for the nurses and doctors to perform all of their duties in a safe and practical manner.

Sure, you will always have those that do not perform their duties to the fullest making neglect another reason it is imperative that you take charge of your healthcare. You need to have some say so in how your treatments are managed, especially when mistakes could cripple or even kill you or your loved one.

The Centers For Disease Control reports that 2,000,000 patients will be affected by hospital spread infections. The sad part is that over 90,000 will die. You go to the hospital to get well not to get sick.

Awareness of the problem is the key to defending yourself. Once you are aware, then you need to act. Act by gaining knowledge on how to protect yourself or your loved ones.

You must know the basic methods for maintaining the proper care of your I.V. It all starts with proper hygiene. Proper handwashing is mandatory if we are to fight these infections. Do not, let any one at all come into your hospital room without first washing their hands. This must be done with an alcohol based cleanser or one approved by the hospital, and hands need to be washed for at least 30 seconds. This may sound like unnecessary precautions, but if it will keep you from extra days in the hospital or crippling side effects, it is worth it.

Did I mention that you must take charge? Do not go to the hospital and feel intimidated. Who pays if you get an infection that makes you miss work, keeps you away from your family, keeps you from getting on with your life? You do, your employer does, your family suffers, insurance companies will raise rates to make up for the extra expenses, which means we all pay in the long run.

Make your I.V. your lifeline not your deathline. Sterile technique must be used before and I.V. is installed and anytime it is accessed. Have your doctors and nurses write in your chart to use sterile techniques. Hang signs on your door telling all who enter to wash their hands first. These are very simple measures to insure that you get in, get out, get on with your life.

Take charge now before it is too late. Your actions may reduce pain and suffering, and most of all may save a life.

Arm yourself with the necessary weapons needed to fight infections. Discover how to help your child through the traumatic experience of getting an I.V. Learn how to take charge and have some say so in your health treatment. You have been made aware of a serious problem, how will you react? React now to avoid becoming a victim.

Fight back do not lay down. Stand your ground, do not let infections ruin your life.