Additional hygiene precautions
Additional hygiene precautions
To reduce the risk of ‘nosocomial’ infections (those acquired during a stay in hospital), it is essential to do everything possible to prevent viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. from being transmitted between patients (this is known as cross-transmission). To this end, certain strict rules (known as ‘additional’ hygiene precautions) may sometimes need to be put in place during hospitalisation.
1. Basic measures
Hand hygiene is the most important measure for both you and your visitors. It must be carried out several times a day and is essential if you need to leave your room.
You must maintain thorough personal hygiene on a daily basis. In some cases, the use of an antiseptic soap is prescribed.
You must maintain good oral hygiene every day. In some cases, mouthwashes containing an antiseptic will be prescribed.
The clothes you wear must be clean and should preferably be changed every day.
2. Mesures d’isolement
2. Isolation measures
You will be cared for in a single room. The door will be kept closed.
The healthcare staff looking after you will follow specific procedures where necessary:
- wearing a gown
- wearing gloves
- wearing a mask
- wearing protective goggles
Your room will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
3. When does isolation end?
This depends on the type of bacteria or virus. Sometimes, additional samples need to be taken in the laboratory. The nurse or doctor will be able to give you more information on this. Isolation is under no circumstances a reason to stay in hospital any longer.
4. What about my personal belongings?
You can pass your laundry on to your family: use a tightly sealed plastic bag for transport, and remind them to wash their hands thoroughly after handling it. We advise you to wash your laundry at the highest possible temperature and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
5. What happens when I return home?
In most cases, it is not necessary to continue with additional hygiene measures at home.
If, however, this is necessary, your doctor will provide you with information on this, and your GP will be informed of the isolation via the discharge letter. If you are in contact with your GP yourself, we advise you to inform them and ask for guidance on the arrangements that need to be made (particularly regarding social contact: it is sometimes more sensible to temporarily avoid contact with certain more vulnerable people).
! If you are a carrier of a multi-drug-resistant bacterium, please remember to inform the healthcare staff treating you (nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, etc.) so that they can properly protect their other patients. If you are admitted to hospital again, please inform staff on admission that you have been a carrier of a multi-drug-resistant bacterium.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our
Infection Prevention and Control Department:
e-dl-team-pci@cliniquesdeleurope.be
Information brochures available on this subject
- Link to the ‘Isolation’ leaflet
- Link to the ‘MRSA Decontamination Protocol’ leaflet
