Manage Your Medicines

Whether you take one medicine or five, it’s important to know what you are taking and why. Ask your doctor these questions about any new (and current) medicines you take:



• What is the name of my medicine? Generic name?
• Why am I taking it? How will it help? When will it start working?
• What dose? How often? How long?
• What is the best time (morning, night, etc.) or way to take it (with food, with water)?
• What are possible side effects? What do I do if they happen?
• Are there any foods, drinks or activities to avoid?
• What do I do if I miss a dose?

Influenza

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that kills thousands of people each year, usually between October and March. The flu is caused by influenza viruses and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact.

Influenza can lead to pneumonia. During flu season, talk to your doctor about being vaccinated while you are at the hospital.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can spread from person to person through close contact. About 18,000 older adults die each year from pneumococcal disease in the United States. Vaccination can protect you. Talk to your doctor about being vaccinated while you are in the hospital.

Being up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines ensures you have the best protection possible against severe illness, hospitalization and death. WHS recommends staff, patients and visitors stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your doctor about vaccination.

Prevent Medicine Errors

Be sure your doctors and nurses know:

•  that your name matches the name on the medicine (use your ID bracelet to double-check)
• all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements you take
• any allergies you have to medicines, anesthesia, foods, latex, etc. 
  

Take Charge of Your Meds

Remember, take charge of your medicines. Think you’re due for your next dose? Wondering if this new medicine can replace one you already take? Want to make sure all your medicines and supplements are safe to take together? Don’t be afraid to ask.