With the falling temperatures and the current cold and flu season, respiratory illnesses are also increasing noticeably in the Altmark. For Dr. med. Ines Mewes, Head of the Hygiene Department at Salus Altmark Holding, now is the right time to draw attention to simple but effective protective measures with a view to particularly vulnerable patient groups.
"Many people come together in hospitals and specialist practices. These often include patients with a weakened immune system," explains Dr. med. Ines Mewes, hospital hygienist (curr.) and specialist in anaesthesiology, anaesthesiological intensive care and emergency medicine at Altmark-Klinikum Gardelegen. "Especially in the cold and flu season, even mild symptoms such as a cough or cold can be enough to pass on infections." For this reason, Dr. Mewes recommends that all patients, visitors and users of the hospital's medical practices voluntarily wear a face mask if they have cold symptoms. "This is not a mandatory step, but a conscious decision out of consideration for the protection of others, but also for your own protection," says Mewes.
There is clear medical evidence of the benefits: Wearing a face mask can significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory pathogens. "It's about responsibility for each other, especially for inpatients, the elderly and the chronically ill, as well as for employees who are on duty every day," emphasizes the hygienist. If you do not have a face mask, you can purchase one at the hospital reception for 50 cents. The staff at reception will be happy to help.
In addition, Dr. Mewes recommends avoiding hospital visits if possible if you have severe cold symptoms, ensuring consistent hand hygiene and keeping your distance from other people. These measures are simple but effective components of infection protection. Visits to Seehausen Hospital are generally possible every day. Separate visiting times apply to the intensive care unit, which are arranged individually in consultation with the ward. Hospital hygiene information posters are also displayed in the facilities to raise visitors' awareness.
"Consideration is an important part of medical prevention during the cold season," summarizes Dr. Ines Mewes. "We can achieve a lot together with small measures."