10 Things You Should NEVER Do When Visiting Someone in the Hospital

Go when you’re sick

Most patients have a weakened immune system, cannot fight off bacteria like they normally can, and are more susceptible to infection. If you have a cough, cold, flu, or fever, it’s best hospital etiquette to forget that hospital visit and check in on your loved ones with a phone call (and try these natural cold remedies). “Your bacteria and viruses can also be transferred to employees who are responsible for taking care of your loved ones and other patients,” says Rebecca Lee, registered nurse and founder of the natural health resource, remediesforme.com. Lee advises not to take children under 13 to visit a patient because their immune systems aren’t as strong as adults, making them susceptible to germs from sick and contagious patients. Anna Renault, member of the Patient & Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety, advises against entering or leaving a patient’s room without washing your hands or using the hand sanitizer. “You cannot see the germs you bring in or take out of the room,” she warns.