Why this matters

Each year, roughly two million Americans develop an infection during an inpatient stay. About one in thirty-one hospitalized patients will pick up at least one healthcare-associated infection, and around 100,000 die from one annually. These numbers are large, but the prevention practices are small and concrete - and most can be done by the patient and their family without waiting for staff to initiate.

The five practices that matter most

Practice oral care. Brushing teeth three times a day during a hospital stay reduces the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Good oral hygiene is one of the most underrated infection-prevention tools available. If the patient can't brush their own teeth, a family member or aide can do it.

Wear masks. Patients and visitors wearing masks reduce the spread of airborne pathogens in shared rooms and hallways. It's a small ask that protects everyone in the building.

Keep hand hygiene relentless. Wash hands or use sanitizer before any contact with the patient, and every time anyone enters or leaves the room. This is the single most effective practice for preventing infection spread. Don't be shy about reminding staff to do the same - they expect it and they appreciate it more than you'd think.

Disinfect surfaces. Use sanitizing wipes on the bed rails, the bedside table, the cell phone, the call bell and the TV remote, the chair, and anything else that gets touched. Hospital rooms get cleaned, but the high-touch items get re-contaminated quickly - daily wipe-downs by the patient or family make a real difference.

Report warning signs immediately. Alert medical staff at the first sign of a fever, new redness, swelling, drainage, or a change in mental clarity. Early detection saves lives. Don't wait to see if it gets worse on its own.

Infections aren't bad luck. Most of them travel on hands and surfaces, and most of them are preventable - but only if someone in the room is paying attention.

Be willing to ask

Don't hesitate to remind healthcare workers to wash their hands or wear gloves before touching the patient. You have every right to advocate for infection prevention, and clinicians who care about their patients are unfazed by the reminder. If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable for asking, that's information about the team - not about you.