PatientPak - during hospital stay

The term ‘superbugs’ describes germs that are resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs which are used to kill bacteria that can cause illness. If a germ is resistant to the drug we use to kill it, then it will survive and continue to make you ill.

Are these dangerous to everybody?

They are most dangerous to those with weakened immune systems, such as: hospital patients, babies, young children, pregnant women and the elderly as they are more at risk of developing complications as a result of catching them.

Our immune systems will also make our own ‘antibiotics’, antibodies, to fight the pathogen. This is why in the case of many illnesses, like the common cold, in most individuals the illness comes to an end without the use of any medication. Your body fights the germs and you get better. However, when your immune system is weakened (see “Who is most at risk?” section for examples) then your body may not be able to overcome the illness. If the germ causing your illness is a superbug then antibiotics may not be able to stop it either. And such illnesses may be difficult to treat in healthy people too.

There are certain strains of these germs that are being picked up in the wider community, and becoming more common in healthy people.

How did drug-resistant germs originate and where are they most commonly found?

Drug resistant germs emerged after the increased use of antibiotics and drugs since World War II. In nearly all cases, they originate in hospital and healthcare settings where germs have a high exposure to drugs and have evolved to become drug-resistant. This is why it is so very important to take extra care to follow good hygiene practices as a patient and as a visitor.

Should I be worried about dangerous germs in hospital?

You should be aware of the dangers, especially if you will be staying in hospital, have a friend or relative that is in hospital or another semi-closed environment, or has a weak immune system. It’s important that you are aware of the increased risk, and the ways in which you can minimise your chances of catching or passing one on.

How can I prevent germ transfer when moving around the ward?

Make sure you wear something on your feet when moving around and carry a sanitising product with you so you can wipe down handles (i.e. in toilets) and sanitise your hands properly. Remember to use 1 wipe per surface to reduce to the risk of spreading germs. Wash hands thoroughly after touching any surfaces or using the bathroom and particularly before eating. Make sure you dispose of used tissues safely and hygienically.

How can I protect myself from germs spread by touch?

You can significantly minimise the risk of germs spread by touch by washing and sanitising your hands frequently and after any contact with others. Sanitise surfaces, handles, switches and any objects that are communally used. Some dangerous germs can survive on fabric, so it’s a good idea to use an antimicrobial sanitising spray on your linen. Avoid touching medical devices; e.g. catheters, drips.

How can I protect myself from airborne germs?

It is difficult to completely protect yourself from airborne germs as we all have to breathe! However, if you are aware of how these germs work then there are some basic things you can watch out for. If someone is coughing or sneezing, ask that they cover their mouth and nose. Where possible, keep your door closed, and the room well ventilated.

Can I catch dangerous germs from food?

Food can be contaminated with dangerous germs. Pathogens may be present on food preparation surfaces, utensils and your hands. Always wash and sanitise your hands before and after preparing food and make sure that chopping boards, knives and other objects are washed thoroughly in hot water and detergent. Remember not to cough or sneeze in a food preparation area and to wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Can I catch dangerous germs from using communal bathrooms?

Communal bathrooms can harbour dangerous germs. They are used by a large number of people regularly, sadly not always in the most hygienic way, and unfortunately they may not be cleaned in a satisfactory manner either. Take sanitising wipes with you to conveniently wipe down handles and surfaces you may come into contact with, and use a sanitising wash to cleanse your hands after. If soiling is visiable, you should alert you healthcare advisor rather than try to clean it yourself.

For visitors and staff

Am I at risk from superbugs, viruses and bacteria?

Everyone is at risk of catching these germs, but if you are in good health you are very unlikely to. Those most at risk are hospital patients, babies, young children, pregnant women and the elderly. If your immune system (your body’s natural defence) is compromised, superbugs, viruses and bacteria are a very real threat. Because places like hospitals, care homes and medical centres are semi-closed environments with high numbers of people using them, there is an even greater chance of picking up these germs.

Am I putting the patient at risk of dangerous germs during my visit?

If you follow the correct guidelines and hygiene procedures, you will greatly reduce the risk to the patient. You should follow strict hand washing procedure, take care if you have young children or pets and do not visit if you have recently been ill or been in contact with anyone that is ill. All in all, the benefits of giving a loved one support will far outweigh the remaining element of risk. You can help them too - by keeping their area clean and perhaps offer to assist if they are too week to wipe down the surfaces, for example.

What can we do before getting to the hospital to minimise any germs we might carry from home to hospital?

Wear fresh clothes and wash your hands, especially after any contact with anyone ill, pets or dirty laundry. Don’t take books or other items from home; rather buy a fresh book or magazine to give. Have your own antimicrobial products to use and help you sanitise.

When entering the hospital, what standard hygiene practice should we follow?

All hospitals are acutely aware that thorough hygiene practices need to be enforced. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and then use an antimicrobial sanitiser. Always wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet and after any physical contact with an ill person. It is best not to visit if you are ill or have been ill recently.

Make sure you dispose of any used tissues safely and hygienically.

How can we minimise spread of germs around the hospital while visiting?

By regularly washing your hands and then using an antimicrobial sanitiser. If you are visiting, reduce your movements around the hospital, and if you are staff, make sure that you follow strict hygiene protocol when moving from one patient to another.

Do any groups in particular tend to carry dangerous germs more?

Anyone can carry germs, although it is more likely if you are ill, have been ill recently, or are in a high risk group (See ‘Who’s most at risk’). A healthy person may not have any symptoms but can still carry and pass on these pathogens. Extra care should be taken with children, in particular those under 5, who may not yet have reliable personal hygiene.

Is it safe to take gifts for the patient?

If you would like to give a gift to someone in hospital or a residential home, it is best not to take items from home as it increases the risk of contamination. It is better to take something new and preferably disposable, such as a magazine. Flowers and fruit should be fine. You must also bear in mind that a patient should have as little clutter around them as possible so that there are fewer places for germs to congregate. Consult the hospital ward staff to find out if they have any specific regulations.

How can hospital staff minimise the spread of germs?

Staff should follow strict contamination control procedures. As well as frequent hand washing these may include; changing uniforms regularly and not wearing them outside of the hospital, having specific shoes for work inside the hospital that are not worn outside.

PatientPak™ - The essential hygiene pack for anyone going into hospital, travelling or caring for a patient

During your hospital stay

For the patient

For family and friends

For the patient

For visitors and staff