Do not fear, be aware. The hospital is full of germs because it is full of many sick people as opposed to many in for surgeries, IV treatments etc... It is called a nosocomial infecton when someone who enters a hospital/healthcare place and aquires an infection not related to the reason they are in for after x amount of days. Wiki has a good review on it and according to the read it is 1 out of 10 people admitted to the hospital that aquire nosocomial infections. It's pretty close considering I have worked in the healthcare field >15 years.
If you are in the hospital know that usually there is a sink in your room; any heathcare worker that does not use it before and after in your room - politely ask them to. Every one gloves up before touching you for antyhing. Education is key. If you have a foley make sure foley care daily is being done, find out what clean technique is and watch for it.
Any healthcare worker unable to explain and do these simple, but neccesary steps, should not be working in a hospital setting.
The sink also goes for visitors as well.
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