On September 17, the world celebrates Patient Safety Day. The decision was made in 2019 at the 72nd World Health Assembly to raise awareness and involve the public in improving patient safety.

            Responsibility for the patient's health lies not only with the doctor but also with the patient.

            Awareness, responsibility, and readiness should not be just words, but a constant accompaniment of patients during their visits to the doctor. Let's look at what the patient can do for his safety.

            First of all, do not be silent. Never hide information about your health from your doctor, even if it seems unimportant to you. Medications you are taking, surgeries you have had and even mood changes can be important for making the right diagnosis and therefore prescribing the right treatment.

            Keep your hands clean. Nothing contributes to the transmission of infectious diseases like dirty hands.

Do not forget to wash your hands after visiting public places, and toilets and before eating.

            Beware of self-treatment. The uncontrolled use and/or premature discontinuation of antibiotics leads to the growth of resistant forms of microorganisms that are extremely difficult to treat and leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. Without urgent action, we are moving towards a post-antibiotic era in which common infections and minor injuries can kill again. Take medicines only as prescribed by your doctor and follow the treatment regimen closely.

            Watch for signs of infection. If you are a hospital patient and have a catheter or have recently undergone surgery, be careful. Manifestations of the infectious process are redness, swelling, and pain in the area of surgery or catheter placement. Often these symptoms are accompanied by fever. Tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.

            Pay attention to the symptoms of diarrhea. Diarrhea can be a symptom of many diseases and leads to dehydration and general exhaustion of the body. Diarrhea while taking antibiotics can be caused by Clostridium difficile. Consult your doctor immediately.

            Get vaccinated. Vaccinate your children. Many deadly diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Ask your family doctor if you have all vaccinations according to the Calendar and ask what additional vaccinations are recommended for you, according to the epidemiological situation or your profession.

                                                                                        

                                       State Institution "TMA of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Chernihiv region"