Hospitals are places of healing, but they can also harbor harmful germs. Whether you’re visiting a loved one or seeking care yourself, it’s crucial to take precautions. Keeping yourself healthy while visiting a hospital involves practical steps to reduce your exposure to potential risks. We’re here to share easy strategies you can use to protect your health during your time at a healthcare facility.
Wash and Sanitize Your Hands Often
Your hands are one of the easiest ways for germs to travel. After touching doorknobs, surfaces, or even shaking hands, it’s important to wash thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also great for moments when soap and water aren’t within reach. Frequent hand cleaning significantly reduces your chances of picking up or spreading infections.
Avoid Touching High-Contact Surfaces
Many people interact with common spaces and surfaces in hospitals, such as waiting room counters or elevator buttons. Avoiding unnecessary contact with high-traffic surfaces is an easy way to minimize germ exposure. If you can, use a tissue or sleeve to press elevator buttons or open doors.
Wear a Mask and Maintain Personal Space
Hospitals are full of individuals with weakened immune systems, as well as those who may be contagious. Wearing a mask can protect both you and others from airborne illnesses. Keeping a safe distance from others, especially in crowded areas, also reduces the risk of respiratory droplets spreading.
Trust in Effective Cleaning Protocols
Many hospitals have stringent cleaning procedures in place to create safer environments. For example, hydrogen peroxide fogging effectively removes aerobic colonies from surfaces throughout a facility, ensuring cleaner spaces for everyone. Familiarizing yourself with a facility’s cleanliness efforts can provide peace of mind for both you and those you are visiting.
Stay Protected While Caring for Others
Sometimes, protecting yourself means preparing. Equip yourself with hand wipes, disinfectants, and an extra mask when visiting someone in the hospital. These small actions can add an extra layer of defense for both you and your loved ones.
Conclusion
Taking small but strategic precautions can make a big difference in protecting your health. Always prioritize hand hygiene, minimize unnecessary contact, and use protective measures like masking to stay safe. Trust that hospitals are working hard to maintain cleanliness, and don’t hesitate to ask about their protocols. By following these tips, you’ll keep yourself healthy while visiting a hospital and have peace of mind during your visit.
