What Is An ESBL Infection?

8. Preventing ESBL Infections

The best way to prevent an ESBL infection is to wash your hands. If you have an ESBL infection and are in the hospital, you will be placed in isolation to try to prevent spreading the infection to others. Your healthcare providers will wear yellow gowns and gloves while in your room and wash their hands with soap and water when they leave.

You will likely have a private room, and a sign will be posted outside letting staff and visitors know they must wear a gown and gloves before entering. If you have to leave your room for any reason, you will have to wear a gown and gloves, or your caregivers may cover you with a clean sheet. You will not be able to visit any common areas in the hospital, like the cafeteria, pantry, or lobby. Note that this will likely apply whether you have an active infection or are colonized with ESBL bacteria, until you have a culture that comes back negative.