There is good news when it comes to infection prevention! The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that between 2011 and 2014 there was a 13% decrease in hospital-based Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This is a serious and difficult to treat bacteria that can lead to severe infections. There is also noted to be a decrease in surgical site infections. Healthcare systems have been doing a good job of monitoring infection rates, the cause of infection, and treatments. This is to provide the best and safest healthcare possible for patients. If you have Diabetes, are undergoing chemotherapy, or have an immune-suppressing disease such as HIV, you are at an increased risk of infection and should take extra precautions for infection prevention.
Infection prevention begins…
Not only with the doctor, but with the patient and their visitors. The most important step is good hand hygiene. Hands should be washed, or hand sanitizer used, before entering and when leaving a patient room. This will help to prevent the spread of infection to both the patient and to other patients in the healthcare facility.
There are also other ways to prevent the spread of infections:
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Get the appropriate vaccines, for example the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your arm, then dispose of the tissue immediately.
- Wash your hands frequently.
When it comes to surgical site infections, there are specific signs you should look for. If you notice your surgical site become red, hot, swollen, or oozing, you should notify your doctor immediately. These are all signs of infection and you may need treatment with antibiotics. It is also important to follow your doctor’s post-operative orders for surgical site care, whether it is leaving your bandage clean, dry, and intact or cleaning the site daily.
Hollowbrook Foot Specialists serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls. Call (845) 298-9074 for your appointment today!
By: Samantha DelRegno D.P.M.
