Healthy Living

Prevent Infections When You Get Medical Care

A doctor wearing a face mask takes notes while talking with a masked patient.

The Basics

Overview

You can help protect yourself from infections when you get medical care. This is especially important when you have a medical procedure, like surgery or dialysis.

Take these steps to help prevent infections when you have a medical procedure:

  • Talk with your doctor or nurse about infections
  • Make sure your doctors, nurses, and visitors always wash their hands before visiting and caring for you — and wash your own hands often, too
  • Follow the instructions your doctor gives you for preventing infections after your procedure

How do medical procedures put people at risk for infections?

Germs can spread from one patient to another or from doctors and nurses to patients. You're at higher risk of getting infections from germs if:

  • You have surgery or you get an IV (intravenous) tube, a catheter (tube in your vein or bladder), or a ventilator (breathing tube)
  • You are very sick
  • Your doctors, nurses, and visitors don't take steps to prevent infections, like washing their hands
  • You take antibiotics you don't need

The good news is that patients and doctors can work together to prevent the spread of germs and avoid infections. Learn more about preventing infectionsThis link is external to odphp.health.gov..

Types of Infections

What types of infections can people get from medical procedures?

Infections people get from visiting a hospital, health clinic, doctor’s office, or other health care facility are called health care-associated infections (HAIs).

These infections can lead to sickness and even death. Examples of HAIs include blood infections and urinary tract infections from catheters.

Learn more about common HAIs:

Signs of Infection

How will I know if I have an infection?

Common signs that you may have an infection include:

  • Fever
  • Burning or pain below the stomach (the lower abdomen) 
  • Burning or pain when peeing (urinating) or having to pee more often than usual
  • Redness or pain around a catheter or wound
  • Pus or other liquid coming from the skin 
  • Diarrhea (frequent, watery poop)
  • Pain that you weren't having before

Content last updated August 20, 2024