✔ Backed by: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
If someone has signs of a serious illness, such as trouble breathing, confusion, or feeling very sick after a hospital stay or procedure, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Most of us think of a hospital as the place where we go to get better. And it is. But here is something many people don’t know: infections can start during medical care, too. The good news is that infection prevention is not only up to hospital staff. Patients and families are not helpless. There are simple, polite things you can do to lower the risk for yourself or someone you love.
This is a good week to talk about it. International Infection Prevention Week is October 19–25, 2026. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) leads it. APIC is the group for the people whose job is to keep infections from spreading in health care [1]. This year’s theme is “Generations of Infection Prevention” [1], which is a nice reminder that everyone, at every age, has a part to play.
Why infection prevention matters more than you might think
The CDC says that on any given day, about 1 in 31 hospital patients in the U.S. has an infection linked to their care [2]. Doctors call these “healthcare-associated infections.” That number is not meant to scare you. Hospitals work hard to prevent these infections, and most hospital stays go fine. But the number does show why your eyes, ears, and voice matter. You are the one person who is with yourself for every minute of your stay. A family member or friend at your bedside can be a second set of eyes.
Think of it like a team. The nurses, doctors, and other staff bring the skills. You and your loved ones bring the attention to detail and the willingness to ask, “Is this still needed?”
Ask about every tube and line
IV lines and urinary catheters (a thin tube that drains urine from the bladder) can be very helpful. They can also give germs a path into the body. That is why the CDC encourages patients to ask questions whenever a device is recommended [2]. Three short questions cover most of it:
- Why do I need this?
- What are the risks?
- When can it come out?
It is fine to ask again each day. Plans change as people get better, and a line that was needed on Monday may not be needed on Wednesday. You can say: “I know I needed this catheter after surgery. Is it still needed today?” That is not rude. It is the kind of question care teams expect from engaged patients.
If you have trouble remembering questions when someone walks in, write them down ahead of time. The CDC suggests this, too [2]. A small notepad on the bedside table works great.
Make clean hands the rule in your room
Hands are one of the main ways germs move from person to person. The CDC suggests asking everyone who touches you or your equipment to clean their hands first. That includes staff, caregivers, and visitors. They should clean their hands when they come into your room, when they leave, and before they touch you or your devices [2].
You might wonder, “But they are wearing gloves.” The CDC is clear on this: gloves alone are not enough to stop the spread of infection [3]. Staff should clean their hands before gloves go on, too.
Speaking up can feel awkward. A warm, simple sentence helps. You can say: “Would you mind cleaning your hands before you check my bandage? Thank you so much.” Many hospitals actually invite patients to do this. If you see someone skip it, the CDC says a polite reminder is okay [2].
Clean your own hands, too
Patients should clean their own hands, too. The CDC lists times like before eating, before touching your face, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching things like bed rails or doorknobs [3]. When your hands don’t look dirty, the CDC says alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good choice [3]. If you can’t easily reach the sink, ask for a bottle of sanitizer within arm’s reach.
Know the signs to watch for, in the hospital and at home
Ask your care team which signs of infection matter most for you. The CDC gives examples: a fever; redness, pain, or drainage at a surgery site; and pain or burning when urinating if you have a catheter [2]. The CDC also says not to touch IV lines and to keep wounds clean and covered [2].
Know the warning signs of sepsis
Untreated infection can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, and it is a medical emergency [4]. The CDC says a person with sepsis may have one or more of these signs [4]:
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- High heart rate or weak pulse
- Shortness of breath
This list is to help you know when to get help fast. It is not a way to rule sepsis in or out. If you are worried, get medical care right away, and call 911 in an emergency. The CDC notes that most people who develop sepsis have at least one other health condition or a recent hospital stay [4]. That is why the days after you go home matter, too.
Before you leave the hospital, ask: “Who do I call if I notice a sign of infection, day or night?” Write that number on your discharge papers and save it in your phone.
Use antibiotics wisely
Antibiotics are powerful medicines, but they are not right for every illness. The CDC reminds us that antibiotics do not treat viruses like colds, flu, or COVID-19 [2]. Even when they are needed, they can cause side effects and can help germs become harder to treat over time [2].
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is fair to ask: “What infection is this treating? How should I take it? What side effects should I call about?” Do not change how you take any medicine without talking to your clinician or pharmacist first.
Visitors are part of the infection prevention team
Family and friends bring comfort, and they can help with safety. The CDC asks people not to visit a health care facility, or a loved one in one, if they feel unwell [2]. A quick phone or video call is a kind choice on a sick day.
When visitors do come, ask them to clean their hands when they arrive and when they leave. If someone is willing, they can also be your “question buddy.” This is the person who helps you remember to ask about lines, tubes, and hand cleaning. You can also ask your care team which vaccines are recommended for you, since some vaccines help prevent infections.
Let’s talk about it
Have you ever asked a nurse or doctor to clean their hands, or asked when a tube could come out? How did it go? And if you have been a caregiver at a bedside, what helped you feel comfortable speaking up? Your story could give someone else the confidence to ask.
One Tru Step: Write the three device questions (Why do I need this? What are the risks? When can it come out?) on a card and keep it in your hospital bag or Emergency Life Binder.
Sources and further reading
- APIC — Infection Prevention and You / International Infection Prevention Week
- CDC — 6 Tips for Patients to Avoid Healthcare-Associated Infections
- CDC — About Hand Hygiene for Patients in Healthcare Settings
- CDC — About Sepsis
Sources checked October 15, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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