In the course of disease treatment, rehabilitation is an important stage for patients to gradually recover. However, convalescent patients face a higher risk of infection due to decreased immunity, treatment or major surgery. These infections may not only affect the physical recovery of patients, but may even lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is very important to understand the infection risk of convalescent patients and take scientific and effective prevention and response measures to ensure their health.
I. Infection risk
of convalescent patients The
immune system is weakened
Many diseases (such as cancer, diabetes, etc.) And corresponding treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) directly weaken the immune system. This makes the resistance of convalescent patients significantly reduced and susceptible to infection.
Invasive treatment
During
hospital treatment, many patients may need to be treated by methods such as catheters, incisions, or intubation. These invasive procedures may become a way for pathogens to invade and increase the risk of infection.
Activity is limited
The mobility
of convalescent patients may be limited, and long-term bed rest can lead to poor circulation, pulmonary congestion and other problems, thus increasing the risk of infection.
Antibiotic use
Some patients may be treated with antibiotics during treatment. Although existing infections can be controlled, the use of antibiotics may also lead to the growth of drug-resistant bacteria and increase the risk of reinfection.
2. Main types
of infection during convalescence
Lung infection
Patients with
long-term bed rest or reduced activity are prone to pulmonary congestion and poor pulmonary ventilation, which directly increases the risk of respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.
Urinary tract infection
The use of
urinary catheters or catheters puts patients at risk for urinary tract infections, especially if they are intubated for long periods of time.
The wound is infected
If the wound after
surgery is not effectively cared for, it will lead to bacterial infection and affect wound healing.
Viral infection
The immunity
of convalescent patients is low, and they are vulnerable to influenza, cold and other viruses.
3. Infected preventive measure.
Good personal hygiene
Convalescent patients and their caregivers should maintain good personal hygiene practices. For example, wash your hands frequently and use soap and water to clean them, especially after touching potentially contaminated items, and before eating.
Conduct respiratory hygiene education, teach patients how to cover their mouth and nose with tissues or elbows when coughing or sneezing, and discard used tissues in time.
Reasonable living environment
Keep the room ventilated to ensure air circulation. A humidifier can be placed in the room to help maintain proper humidity.
Regularly clean and disinfect the home environment, especially frequently touched items such as doorknobs, countertops, cell phones, etc.
Real-time monitoring of health status
Patients and their caregivers should regularly monitor body temperature, appetite, mental state and so on, timely detection of abnormal conditions, especially fever, cough, expiratory dyspnoea and other symptoms.
Avoid overcrowding
During the recovery period, try to avoid going to crowded places, especially in the season of high incidence of influenza, and reduce contact with the sick.
Strengthen nutritional support
Provide a balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins to enhance immunity. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and ensure a varied diet.
Follow the doctor’s advice
.
For convalescent patients, it is absolutely necessary to follow the guidance of the medical team and use drugs rationally, including taking antibiotics and related drugs on time.
IV. Response
to infection Seek medical treatment
as soon as possible
If patients have any symptoms of infection, such as high fever, persistent cough, wound swelling, etc., they should seek medical advice as soon as possible and seek professional help.
Follow infection control measures
Hospitalized patients should follow relevant infection control measures in the hospital and strictly follow the rules and regulations of the hospital, such as wearing masks and keeping a distance.
Training
in
home care
Family members should receive professional training in infection management hygiene, understand how to carry out wound care, observe patients’symptoms and correct hygiene habits.
Psychological support
Convalescent patients often feel lonely and anxious, so psychological support should be provided to encourage them to adjust their mentality positively, and timely family companionship or social activities should be carried out to help them better cope with the pressure of illness.
Conclusion
Convalescent patients face not only physical recovery, but also the risk of infection. By fully understanding the risk of infection and taking scientific and effective prevention and response measures, the incidence of infection can be significantly reduced, and patients can achieve better rehabilitation quality. Whether in medical institutions or families, anti-infection management should be an important part of rehabilitation. By working together, we are able to create a safe and healthy recovery environment for our convalescent patients.
