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Preventing Infections at Home
Preventing Infections at HomeWhile you are recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, it is important to do all you can to prevent aninfection, which could complicate your recovery and lead to a return trip the hospital. As you recover at home,follow this checklist to prevent an infection.DO: Follow your discharge instructions, especially about when and how often to change your dressings. Askyour healthcare provider what special precautions are necessary when you are home. DO: Dispose of soileddressings and bandages. Wash your bed linens and clothes separately in hot water and bleach to kill germs.DO: Watch for symptoms of an infection. Symptoms of an infection include fatigue, a fever of 101 degrees orhigher, chills, vomiting or diarrhea. If notice any signs of infection, call your healthcare provider.DO: Wash your hands often for 20 seconds, especially before and after you eat, after you use the bathroom,and before and after you change your bandages to prevent the spread of germs. If a nurse or loved one ishelping with your medical care: DO: Make sure they wash their hands and wear gloves when they treat you.DO: Go to all your follow-up doctor appointments. Your healthcare provider will check your incision for anysigns of infection. Take this time to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about recovery.DO: Keep all your vaccinations up to date including an annual flu shot and pneumonia vaccines.DON’T: Allow friends and family who are sick to visit you until they are healthy. If you are exposed to sick lovedones, it could put at you risk for infection.Getting an infection while recovering at home can be serious, so it’s important to do all you can to prevent thespread of germs. Follow this checklist to stay healthy as your recover at home.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59380B EN PreventingInfectionsatHome.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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