Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Questions and Answers
Why do I have to
be in isolation?
- At Rhode Island Hospital, we place
patients in isolation to stop the spread of
VRE from one patient to another patient.
All hospital staff must wear gowns and
gloves when they enter your room so they
will not get VRE on their clothes or
hands. All persons who enter your room
must wash their hands before entering
and upon leaving. All equipment that is
used for your care must stay in your room
or be cleaned before it is taken out and
used on another patient. Regular linens
and dishes are used because dishes and
linen from all patients are cleaned in a way that will destroy VRE.
How long must I
stay in isolation?
- The Department of Epidemiology and
Infection Control will determine how long
you must remain in isolation. Usually
patients may leave isolation after having
three tests, over a period of time, that
show you no longer carry VRE.
Can I leave
my room?
- You may leave your
room for testing. If
the doctor allows
you to leave your
bed, you may walk
in the hall if you wash your hands with soap and water or use
alcohol gel before you leave the
room and you wear a clean gown. Please
do not sit in the lounge or waiting areas.
May I have
visitors?
- Your family and friends may visit. Your
visitors have the option of wearing gowns
and gloves, but they may not leave your
room while wearing them.
Visitors may not use your
bathroom. Before they leave,
visitors must leave their
gowns and gloves in your
room and wash their hands
with soap and water or use
alcohol hand gel.
Can I go home if
I have VRE?
- You can go home if you have VRE. People
who are at risk of getting sick from VRE
are patients who are ill with other diseases, have some type of medical device (tubes, drains) or those who have had recent surgery.
Any or all of these factors make them more likely to get infections.
Proper hand washing and good personal
hygiene are the best ways to prevent
the spread of VRE. Wash your hands after
using the bathroom, before you eat and
before and after you handle any bandages
or tubes. Clean and disinfect your home
often, especially the bathroom. Avoid
sharing personal items such as towels,
washcloths, razors and clothing.
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