Be proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone who enters your room, whether in a healthcare facility or while recovering back at home, to wash their hands. Also, be aware of the CDC’s best practices for patient safety: Remind all visitors, including HCPs, to wash their hands when they enter your room. If HCPs are not wearing protective gear like gowns and gloves when they’re supposed to, request that they put those on to help prevent the spread of germs and infections. Allow hospital staff to clean your room. Understand that HCPs could ask that you be tested for a germ that is resistant to antibiotics, despite a lack of symptoms. Talk to your HCPs about any procedures or treatment you’ve gotten that haven’t taken place in the U.S. Make sure you’re following all the instructions your HCP gives you before your surgery, which could change depending on which procedure you’re having.