Preventing infection reduces the chances that antibiotic-resistant germs will spread—and can help avoid antibiotic use when it is not needed. No measure makes infection impossible, but clean hands, careful wound and device care, and appropriate use of antibiotics can lower avoidable risks. Here’s what patients and families can do in healthcare settings and at home.
Why infection prevention matters
Some infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies infection prevention and control as a key way to limit antimicrobial resistance. WHO also reports that 50% of infections associated with healthcare can be prevented through infection prevention, while 25% of health facilities lack basic water services. These are global figures shown on WHO’s page; no year is specified for them, and they are not estimates of an individual’s risk. WHO: Infection prevention and control
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What patients and visitors can do in a hospital
Clean your hands and speak up
Clean your hands before eating and after using the restroom, coughing or sneezing, changing a dressing, or touching frequently handled surfaces. Ask visitors to do the same before touching you, a wound, or your equipment. You can also politely remind healthcare staff; gloves do not replace hand hygiene. CDC offers this suggested prompt: “Before you start the exam, would you mind cleaning your hands again?”
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Follow the facility’s instructions for hand hygiene. When using sanitizer, cover every hand surface and rub until dry; CDC says this takes around 20 seconds. If washing with soap and water, scrub all surfaces, including between fingers and around and under nails. CDC: Clean hands count for safe health care
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Share relevant history with your care team
Tell staff if you were recently hospitalized, received healthcare outside the country, or have previously had an infection caused by an antimicrobial-resistant germ. This information can help the team consider appropriate precautions and care.
Ask about catheters and other devices
If you have a urinary catheter or central-line catheter, ask why it is needed and when it can be removed. CDC notes that leaving a catheter in too long increases the chance of infection. Do not handle or adjust a medical device unless your care team has shown you how and told you to do so.
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Allow room cleaning and report changes
Allow staff to clean your room and the equipment used in your care. Tell your care team promptly about fever, redness, pain, or drainage at an IV or surgical site, or if an infection seems to be getting worse. If you are concerned that an infection or illness is worsening, CDC suggests asking, “could this be sepsis?” CDC: What patients and families can do to prevent infections
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Healthcare settings use standard precautions for all patient care, guided by the risk of exposure. These include hand hygiene, protective equipment when exposure is possible, and appropriate handling, cleaning, and disinfection of care equipment. CDC: Standard precautions for all patient care
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How to reduce infection risks at home
Make hand hygiene routine
Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and stay home when sick where possible. CDC: About hand hygiene in community settings
Care for cuts, wounds, and medical devices as instructed
Keep cuts clean and covered until they heal. Follow the instructions your clinician gives you for wounds, especially surgical sites, and for devices such as catheters or dialysis ports. Ask the care team to explain any steps you need to do at home.
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For home healthcare equipment, follow the device-specific directions from your care team for hand hygiene, cleaning or disinfection, and storage. Do not assume that the same product or method is suitable for every device. CDC: Noncritical patient care devices
Keep vaccinations current
Recommended vaccinations help prevent infections. Ask your healthcare professional which vaccines are appropriate for you, based on your age, health, and circumstances.
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Use antibiotics only when appropriate
Take antibiotics only when they are prescribed or otherwise indicated for you, and follow the prescriber’s instructions. Ask your clinician whether an antibiotic is needed. Antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses such as colds, flu, or COVID-19, and you should not use someone else’s prescription. CDC: About antibiotic use
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which hand-cleaning option should you use?
| Setting | What to do |
|---|---|
| Hospital or other healthcare setting | Follow the facility’s hand-hygiene instructions. Patients and visitors can ask staff and others to clean their hands before touching the patient, wounds, or equipment. CDC guidance |
| Community or home, when available | Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. CDC guidance |
| Community or home, when soap and water are not readily available | Use sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. CDC guidance |
Hand hygiene helps reduce germ spread; it cannot guarantee that you will avoid an infection.
Quick Recap
When to ask your healthcare team
- Ask for advice about a wound, surgical site, catheter, dialysis port, or other device rather than improvising care.
- Ask what to do if you notice fever, redness, pain, drainage, or worsening symptoms.
- Ask whether an antibiotic is necessary and how to follow the prescription if one is given.
- Use CDC guidance as U.S.-specific patient advice; follow your care team and local public-health guidance for your individual circumstances.
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