Patients and family members are a critical part of the healthcare team. You play an important role in preventing infection and staying safe when you visit a healthcare facility. Learn more about how to take an active role in your care. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and “like” the International Infection Prevention Week Facebook pagefor infection prevention tips, videos, news, and updates. Always keep in mind these three simple steps to safeguard you or a loved one from infection: Clean your hands and cover your cough. Ask your healthcare providers to clean their hands. Speak up if you have any questions about your care.

Quick facts: One in 20 hospitalized patients will get a healthcare-associated infection as a result of the care they receive in the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare-associated infections cost U.S. hospitals an estimated $28.4 to $45 billion each year. Thirty-five percent of healthcare facilities across the globe do not adequately promote hand hygiene practices, according to the World Health Organization.

Keep you and your loved ones safe in these situations:

• In the hospital: Prevent infections by knowing the right questions to ask. Learn more.
• When visiting a hospital patient: Be a good visitor and a patient advocate to protect loved ones from infection. Learn more.
• In an outpatient or ambulatory clinic: Whether you are having surgery or another procedure or treatment, ask questions to stay safe. Learn more.
• In a nursing home: Residents of long-term care facilities are at increased risk of developing an infection. Learn how to protect your love ones. Learn more.
• At home: Home health providers are concerned about your health and safety. Play an active role when receiving care in your home. Learn more.

Access additional patient safety resources.

Watch entertaining videos on infection prevention.

Photo credit: Cade Martin