Our immune system keeps us healthy by fighting organisms from
our everyday environment, like bacteria and viruses, which could
possibly harm us. However, when we are immunocompromised (have a
weakened immune system), common organisms become a threat since
our bodies are unable to fight them off. This is when protective
isolation is helpful. Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff
practice protective isolation to make sure that patients with
weakened immune systems are not exposed to organisms that could
potentially lead to infection and serious complications. If you
are admitted to the hospital and are under protective isolation,
here are actions that the staff will take to protect you. You
may be given your own hospital room. The staff will take steps
to keep your room clean during your stay. This may include: -
Cleaning surfaces, such as tabletops and doorknobs, with damp
cloths and detergent - Cleaning equipment with alcohol wipes or
water and detergent - Making sure the room is properly
ventilated - Kee