Steps to Protect Patients and You
Consider what germs you might be carrying with you:
• Do not visit if you have symptoms of an infection.
• The hospital may require that you wear a face mask. Even if the hospital
does not require that you wear a mask, you may consider wearing one to
protect yourself and others.
• If you intend to bring a gift to the person you are visiting, before you arrive
check what is allowed. Some hospitals or units in the hospital do not
allow fresh flowers, balloons, fruit baskets, stuffed animals, or other items
because of the potential for allergens, mold, or water-borne germs.
Practice good hand hygiene:
Hands are the most common way disease spreads in the hospital. Everyone
in the hospital, including patients and their visitors, should clean their hands
frequently.
• Most of the time, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
Hand sanitizer comes in liquid, gel, or foam and is available from
dispensers throughout the hospital.
• Clean your hands before entering and after exiting a patient's room.
• Clean your hands before interacting with food or drinks.
• Wash hands with soap and water when they are visibly dirty and after
using the bathroom.
• After the patient has returned home, continue to clean your hands
frequently when you are near them.
Practice good respiratory hygiene:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose of tissues in a trash receptacle.
• Clean your hands after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
Visitor prompts:
"Where is the hand sanitizer dispenser?"
"Where can I wash my hands?"
"Are there any special instructions I need to
follow during my visit?"
