Hospital bugs, also known as, infections, are here to stay. Yes, you heard that right... here to stay.. Why? Perhaps there are many reasons........bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics (developing over the years)...poor infection control techniques by hospital staff, no oversight of staff to ensure simple things i.e. if handwashing is done, etc. therefore, the bugs are here to stay. How can you, as a patient, protect yourself against acquiring an infection while you are a patient in a hospital (nosocomial infection?) Ask your nurse if she washed her hands before she entered your hospital room. Most hospitals, today, have hand washing bottles outside patient rooms. Nurses, or anyone entering or leaving a room, just does a one time 'squirt' on the hands. Like a quick handwashing. There are many guidelines that hospitals, as well as nursing homes use, or should use. The CDC and JCAHO provide guidelines that are incorporated into policies in healthcare facilities. Healthcare facilities can have all the written policies and procedures in place, however, if, in fact, the employees do not follow the policies and procedure, then what is the use of having them? A bit harsh? Yes, indeed. Considering people have their lives ruined; often these infections lead to death. Those affected the most are older patients whose immune systems are not as good as someone younger, those with already compromised bodies (other medical problems)and, ofcouse, those who come in contact with staff who are not adhering to good infection control techniques. So, the next time you are a patient in a hospital, or even at the doctor's office, ask the nurse or person providing care, "did you wash your hands before you took care of me?" I am sure the staff will look at you in amazement. Well, probably no one has asked that question. Better yet, ask your doctor, and, see what the reaction might be.......... Should be interesting to say the least. HAPPY HANDWASHING