My grandmother is in the ICU at our hospital in town. She has been there for about 5 days with no improvement and infact is being put back onto machines she was taken off of because her condition slipped.
I would like to visit, but I am starting to get a cold.
Would they permit me to wear a mask and stay a short time.
I've been told by other family members that she doesn't know when anyone is in the room, so if a mask is an "iffy" solution, the I wouldn't want to risk her health slipping, but what are general hospital guidelines?
2007-03-04 13:44:17 · 5 answers · asked by Melissa B 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
You can check with the hospital personnell. Those who are sick are usuallly immuno-compromised and those with active infections should usually refrain from visiting; however, there are exceptions. You should consult with her physicians and see if it is ok for you to wear a mask and visit her. Those masks work very well and it may be important for you to visit her. God bless.
2007-03-04 14:00:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a healthcare provider I would say that it may be dependent on the individual hospital. Overall, a cold is probably the least of your grandmas worries now. She may not know you are in the room....but you will know. The point is that she sounds critical and this may be your last time to see her alive and say goodbye. A mask should be adequate for her protection, and I believe that it is important for you to see her. Go try.
2007-03-04 21:52:45 · answer #2 · answered by tlbrown42000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say that there isn't a rule posted not to enter if you have or think you are coming down with a cold, flu, virus etc. Common sense should tell you that the consequesnces of a sick person catching your cold and becoming sicker could mean their demise. Also whatever you have could be passed from one patient to another, and to the staff. Just is not a good idea.
2007-03-05 01:13:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how old you are, but if you are an adult, you should and can make that decision for yourself. If you wear a mask, and don't touch anything, she should be protected if your stay is short. I personally think it would be OK if you felt you needed to go in. If she is indeed that sick, you might need that time to tell her how much you love her. When people are that sick, their time might be limited.
2007-03-04 21:50:37 · answer #4 · answered by nickname 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Each hospital is different so call the hospital ICU where she is at and ask what their policy is on this.
2007-03-04 21:52:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋