Table of contents:
- Why isn't it advisable to bring flowers?
- How about fruit?
- Then what should you bring when visiting patients at the hospital?
When visiting relatives, friends, or family who are in the hospital, what do you usually bring with you? Flowers or fruit, right? Indeed, it seems that it has become a habit to visit patients who are in hospital while bringing flowers and fruit. However, it turns out that there are some hospitals that do not allow visitors to bring flowers and fruit to their patients. What is the reason? Listen below, yes.
Why isn't it advisable to bring flowers?
Fresh flowers can indeed beautify the room and soothe the eyes. However, it is inversely proportional to the time you are in the hospital. Flowering is usually prohibited or even prohibited, especially in the burn unit.
Why so? Apparently, the flowers are thought to contain bacteria that can increase the risk of nosocominal infections (infections that occur while in a hospital setting). However, in fact this still reaps pros and cons and requires further research.
The pollen in flowers can also spread into the room, which can cause allergies for those who are sensitive or have pollen allergies. In patients with a weak immune system such as cancer, HIV / AIDS, or respiratory problems, it is also best not to bring flowers because it will increase the risk of exposure to some parasites and fungi from flowers and plants, such as aspergillus.
How about fruit?
You may think that there is nothing wrong with giving fruit when visiting hospitalized patients. Fruit must be good for health and not harmful. However, you really need to be careful when it comes to giving fruits when visiting patients in the hospital.
The reason is, not all patients are free to eat any type of fruit. For example, star fruit should not be given to patients with kidney problems because it can cause toxins. Diabetics should also choose fruits with a low glycemic index, such as apples, strawberries, oranges and pears.
You also need to be careful if you want to bring fruit to patients who have a history of gastric disease or have recently had surgery. Certain fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can worsen symptoms of acid reflux disease (GERD).
Because it is difficult to determine what types of fruit are allowed and shouldn't be consumed by patients with certain diseases, you should avoid bringing fruits when visiting patients. Unless you have already asked the patient or his family what fruits are safe for consumption.
Then what should you bring when visiting patients at the hospital?
Eits, don't worry just yet. Each hospital makes different rules, so it is expected that you first confirm the policies at each hospital. Even so, you can still give other gifts that are no less interesting and useful to your loved ones.
For example, giving greeting cards to get well soon, books, magazines, easy and simple games such as crossword puzzle books are useful for warding off boredom. In addition, personal items such as socks, lip balm, or something to make them more relaxed and able to rest like an eye patch can be your choice as a gift.
However, in fact the most important thing besides gifts is your presence to those who are being hospitalized, either as a calm or an entertainer. After visiting, don't forget to wash your hands with an antiseptic solution to reduce the spread of the disease.
