The Dangers of Hospital-Acquired Infection: The True Facts

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Hospitals are places where you go to get well, not to get sicker. Unfortunately, many patients do exactly that. Each year, about 200,000 patients in the United States contract a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). These infections are also called “nosocomial” infections, which means they occur as the result of being treated in a hospital. They are not contagious, like the flu or cold virus, but they can be just as deadly. The bad news is that these statistics are growing steadily every year. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting an HAI when you enter the hospital.

What is a Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Infection?

If you get a bacterial infection that you did not have before, that means you contracted it during your hospital treatment. Bacterial infections are more common than viral infections, so bacterial infections are responsible for more hospital-acquired infections. You can get a bacterial infection from many places in a hospital, including a piece of equipment that is used on you (such as a catheter or a breathing tube), a healthcare worker’s hands if they do not wash their hands well enough, the bacteria in the air of your room, or even the bacteria in your mouth or gastrointestinal tract. The most common bacterial infections that occur in hospitals are: Infections in the urinary tract (UTIs) caused by bacteria getting into the bladder or kidneys Infections in the bloodstream (sepsis) caused by bacteria getting into the bloodstream through a cut or through the urinary tract Infections in the lungs (pneumonia) caused by bacteria getting into the lungs Infections in the joints (for example, the hip or knee) caused by bacteria getting into the joints

How do you get a hospital-acquired infection?

The best way to avoid getting a hospital-acquired infection is to avoid getting sick in the first place. Unfortunately, that might not be possible. But you can certainly lower your risk of infection by following these guidelines: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you have cuts on your hands, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your face. If you have cuts on your hands, use a paper towel to avoid touching your face. Keep your skin covered if your clothes are open to the air. Use a warm blanket if you are cold, not a flannel blanket that may harbor bacteria. Ask the staff to wash their hands before and after touching you. If someone coughs or sneezes nearby, ask for a mask.

What Are the Most Common HAIs?

There are many types of hospital-acquired infections, but the most common are urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Urinary Tract Infections – Urinary tract infections account for about 8% of all hospital-acquired infections. They occur when bacteria get into your bladder or kidneys. They can be very serious and can lead to kidney damage, so they are treated with antibiotics right away. Bloodstream Infections – Bloodstream infections account for about 5% of all hospital-acquired infections. They occur when bacteria get into your bloodstream through a cut or through the urinary tract. They are serious and can quickly lead to sepsis, a condition that can be fatal unless treated quickly. Pneumonia- Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It accounts for about 3% of all hospital-acquired infections. It is caused by bacteria getting into the lungs, and it is treated with antibiotics.

Tips to Protect Yourself from an HAI

If you have been recently hospitalized and have developed a bacterial infection, this is a good sign. It means your immune system is working to fight the infection, and you have a much better chance of recovering fully from your illness. With the right treatment, bacterial infections are easy to cure and will not lead to any lasting health problems. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not help with viral infections, so they are not useful in treating a common cold. If you are in the hospital and develop a bacterial infection, it is important to let your doctor know right away. Although bacterial infections are easy to treat, they can quickly spread to other patients if not treated quickly. To protect other patients from contracting an infection, have your doctor prescribe an antibiotic as soon as an infection is diagnosed.

How to Help Your Loved One Avoid an HAI

If you have loved ones who are in the hospital, you can reduce their risk of contracting an infection by doing the following: Stay with your loved one as much as possible. You can help your loved one avoid getting sick by washing your hands regularly, dressing appropriately, and asking the staff to wash their hands before touching your loved one. Ask your loved one’s doctor whether a particular antibiotic is best suited for them. Ask the doctor if your loved one can be treated with an antibiotic that can be given through a vein, rather than an antibiotic that must be given through an injection every 8 hours.

Conclusion

Hospital-acquired infections are infections that a person contracts while either being treated in a hospital or in the few days after being discharged from a hospital. They generally occur when a patient’s immune system is suppressed and bacteria or fungi grow in the body, particularly in an open wound or the urinary tract. HAIs are a serious and growing issue worldwide, and some experts have called them a “nightmare pandemic.” Bacterial infections are the most common cause of HAIs, followed by fungal infections, viral infections, and parasitic infections. HAIs can be very serious and even life-threatening, especially for people who are immunocompromised, have a chronic condition or have had surgery. To lower your chance of developing an infection while in the hospital or after being discharged, be sure to wash your hands often with soap and water.