4 Ways to Prevent Infection_After Surgery

Surgery is scary enough on its own. Understanding the dangers of post-surgery complications is that much more worrisome. Part of human nature is to take one’s health seriously, and that’s why the prevention of infection is such a pressing issue. Here are four ways to prevent infection after surgery.

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

Image via Flickr by hang_in_there

As simple as it sounds, following your doctor’s orders is the most critical step toward a healthy recover. Many people are too stubborn to pay attention to such suggestions, and that leads to tragic results. According to Johns Hopkins University research, between one and three out of every 100 patients develop a surgical site infection (SSI). Most of the time, it’s because patients didn’t listen to their surgeon. Because you didn’t go to medical school and your physician did, follow his or her instructions. Doing so could save your life.

Practice Good Hygiene

No matter how clean you are most of the time, you have to err on the side of caution after surgery. The skin that protects your body from harmful bacteria isn’t solid. A surgeon’s blade pierced that area, leaving gaps. Infection will occur if you touch that area in an unsanitary manner. Adding bacteria to a surgical site will cause a setback to your recovery or, in extreme instances, an SSI that could kill you.

In the wake of surgery, wash your hands to the point of obsession. Use hand sanitizer regularly, too. According to the founders of the Safe Care Campaign, hand sanitizer is a great defense against SSI. Also, try not to touch the inside of your mouth, nose, ears, or other orifices. Bacteria exist in these places that can harm your surgical site, leading to the spread of infectious germs.

Reduce Swelling

Swelling is one of the most dangerous post-surgery issues. It can cause blood clots that increase your risk of suffering heart attack, stroke, and other direct outcomes. The prevention of swelling is so important that many hospitals require patients to wear compression socks during the recovery period. Their sole purpose is to control swelling.

Doctors will also recommend prescriptions to reduce swelling. If your physician suggests these, fill your prescription immediately, then take your medication at the recommended times. Also, make sure that you’re using the suggested dosage. These medications are crucial to avoiding SSI.

Rest Often

During the post-surgery recovery phase, you must rest. Even if you’re a go-getter who wants to get back in action as soon as possible, you should resist that temptation. Although bed rest isn’t as popular a recovery suggestion today, the underlying premise is still accurate. When patients try to do more, they are exponentially more likely to cause more health issues, including SSI.

When you need surgery, accept that you’ll have to take things easily afterward. Think of the long-term benefits of this situation. Some bed rest with the blissful comfort of a warming blanket will actually speed up your recovery. You’ll get healthy sooner, even if you find the recovery process frustratingly slow at the time.

In the wake of surgery, you must take care of yourself. Follow these tips to guarantee that you avoid an SSI and get healthy as quickly as possible.