Each year two million Americans acquire hospital infections and over 90,000 of those people will die. This is an alarming statistic to say the least. Hospitals are where one goes to get well not feel worse. But unfortunately, while a hospital is a place of healing it can also be a safe haven for germs.

For instance, when the doctor goes to a patient's room they usually either shake hands with that patient or they have to touch the patient when performing a medical exam. Assume that patient has a contagious illness and the doctor accidentally forgets to wash his hands when he comes into your room. He performs the necessary medical exam on you and of course his hands and that other person's germs are on you! When a doctor comes into your room politely ask them if they have washed their hands before the medical exam.

It is also imperative that you as the patient wash your hands constantly while in the hospital. Remember, that before you were in that room someone else that was sick was in that room and may have had spreadable germs. So when you touch the bathroom door handle, the telephone, the tv remote, or the nurse call system, remember that you are potentially picking up unwanted illnesses. These items will have all been cleaned each time a patient is discharged from the hospital but we all know that no cleaner kills 100 percent of all germs.

Hospital spread infections have become a serious problem. As the patient, it is your responsibility to watch out for your health care. It is vital that you reduce the chance of infection as best as possible so that you will not develop any unwanted medical illnesses.