Ways to stay healthy during a hospital visit

TERRE HAUTE, ind. (WTHI) - While you visit the hospital to get over an illness, you also need to be aware of your health and the health of others, especially if you’re sick.

This is awareness is so you don’t pick up another virus during your visit or stay.

Doctors at Union Hospital in Terre Haute said they think about protecting your health from the moment you enter their facility.

They do extensive paperwork to make sure they know what medicines you’re taking, or if you have any allergies.

They’re also stepping up, what they are deeming “Isolation Protocol.”

“Every person who has a history of the MRSA infection is screened when they come in the hospital; and they’re placed in isolation until we have negative cultures back,” said John Bolinger.

MRSA is an infection commonly seen in hospitals and can be dangerous because it’s resistant to most antibiotics.

Besides this protocol, Dr. Bolinger said they’re always making sure workers and staff wash their hand properly.

So what you can do to make sure you don’t get even sicker during your hospital stay?

Of course, always wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer.

Also, if you’re visiting someone, make sure you follow the protocol for that patient.

If the hospital asks you to put on gloves or a gown to see the patient, follow directions, because they’re just making sure the patient, you and others in the hospital stay safe.

These basic steps will help you and others stay as healthy as possible, while visiting a hospital.