Dos and don’ts while visiting a hospital

A hospital is a place of care and healing. It is a specialized environment that handles diseases and sick people 24×7. As with every place and situation, you will have to follow certain rules when you enter a hospital either as a patient or as a visitor to protect yourself and others.

Infection control and you

Infection control protocols are of paramount importance in every hospital. During a pandemic, the protocols become even stricter and adhere to ICMR guidelines. Every hospital has measures in place to protect patients, staff and visitors and your cooperation will go a long way in preventing the spread of infection.

Dos and don’ts when you visit a hospital

Don’ts

• If you have COVID symptoms don’t go to a hospital without calling first. This will help the staff to admit you in isolation.
• Don’t shake hands or hug people. COVID spreads easily this way. Opt for the traditional Vanakam or Namaste.
• Don’t bring flowers for the patient or wear strong perfume. Strong smells may induce discomfort and cough.
• Don’t touch any medical devices, drips or catheters. Call the nurse if you need assistance.
• Don’t touch eyes, nose or mouth. They are the gateways for many infections.
• Don’t bring children to visit patients unless absolutely necessary. They are highly susceptible to infections.
• Don’t sit on patient’s bed. You may deposit germs that you picked up on the way. Use the chair that is provided.
• Don’t spend too much time in the hospital. It is not a venue for socializing. Bring cheer in small measures
• Don’t walk around the hospital. You are not on a fact-finding or sightseeing tour. Go only where you are supposed to go.

Dos

• Always enter through main entrance. It will help the hospital manage visitors better.
• Sanitise hands after touching frequently touched surfaces. Sanitisers will be available in many places.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Maintain a healthy distance from people with symptoms to prevent infection.
• If you have an OP consultation, bring only one attender with you. This will avoid crowding and greatly reduce the chances of infection.
• If you are an inpatient, have only one visitor at a time. You should be resting and recuperating, not exerting yourself or disturbing others.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Washing hands prevents transmission of virus to nose, mouth or eyes by hand.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with tissue or sleeve. Never use your hands as they will become infected and transmit the virus to any object that you touch.
• If you use a tissue, put it in a closed bin and sanitize hands immediately. Do not use the same tissue repeatedly.

Follow these simple rules and help hospitals serve you and the patients better. Let’s work together to control the pandemic.