Respiratory Illness Etiquette To Follow In Clinical Settings

These days, when you go into the hospital, you should be worried about what you might bring home. When cleanliness is lax and proper protocol is not followed, many people end up with secondary infections while in the hospital; some of these infections are respiratory illnesses. Hospitals do have rules of etiquette when it comes to avoiding this scenario, but they sometimes fall by the wayside during late shifts or when there are not enough personnel to go around.

The best case for you is having someone with you when you enter the hospital, someone to act as your advocate and look out for your best interests. For the most part, hospitals do all that they can to avoid secondary infections but you should never let your guard down. Whether you are looking for yourself or you have someone with you, here are some things to scope out to ensure that the hospital is practicing proper infection control:

1. Visual Cues – There should be adequate signage posted in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices which states that patients as well as their visitors should inform their doctor or healthcare personnel of possible respiratory illness. Sometimes, surgical procedures are postponed due to simple respiratory illness such as colds. In addition, family and friends with colds or respiratory illness should not be allowed to visit. Other things to look for include:

Educational posters which illustrate ways to avoid infection spreading such as the proper way to cough or sneeze to prevent germs.
Posters should be clearly displayed regarding the wearing of protective clothing and masks in the event of a possible respiratory illness.

2. The Practice of Correct Coughing Behaviors and Respiratory Cleanliness – Many hospitals and clinical settings try and educate not only staff but also visitors to the proper way to cough and sneeze to avoid passing respiratory illness onto someone else. Here are some of the practices:

Always use tissues when coughing and sneezing and immediately throw them away in the garbage.
Always cover the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, preferably with a tissue.
Always wash hands immediately after coughing or sneezing or coming into contact with someone who was doing so. Soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers are best as killing germs.

Most hospitals and doctor offices readily provide tissues, trash receptacles and easily accessible ways to clean the hands through washing or even the use of a hand sanitizer. They are in the practice of healing people and do what they can to help prevent those secondary infections.

3. Institution of Wearing Masks - Many doctor offices and hospitals will offer masks to those people who are coughing and sneezing, particularly during those times when cold and flu outbreaks are most prevalent. Whether you are a patient or a visitor, always ask for a mask if you have the slightest inkling that you are sick and ask others to wear one as a preventative measure.

Remember, you are your own best advocate. If you are in the hospital, you can ask your nurse or doctor to wear a mask if you feel that they should. In addition, bring up any concerns that you may have regarding respiratory illness and don’t forget to mention if you believe that you have a cold or other illness. This could make a huge difference in your treatment plans.

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