What to Know about Hospital Infections

Rachel Olszewski

We go to a hospital or medical center to take care of an acute problem- not to acquire one. For approximately 1 in 25 people admitted to in-patient facilities like hospitals, they got worse while in treatment because of a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). These infections are contracted in hospitals and other care facilities, and they have a variety of causes. The National Institutes of Health reports that hospital infections lead to the deaths of up to 100,000 people annually. HAI-related healthcare costs are said to be approximately $40 billion.

What are some risk factors and causes of hospital infections?

• Communicable diseases
• Misuse of antibiotics
• Improper sanitization/cleaning of the room/area
• Surgery
• Catheters

What kinds of hospital infections are most common?

One of the most common types of hospital infections are urinary tract infections associated with the use of catheters. Other types of HAIs are:

• Pneumonia
• MRSA
• Surgical site infections
• Central-line associated bloodstream infections

How do I protect myself from getting an infection while in the hospital?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides tips for how to reduce your chances at contracting a hospital infection. These tips include:

• Talk to your providers about your worries, especially surrounding getting the right antibiotics as well as prolonged use of catheters
• Keep an eye for early infection symptoms like redness, irritation, and drainage
• Get a flu shot every year
• Ask your providers about the steps they take to prevent infections
• Tell your doctor if, during the course of your antibiotic, you get frequent diarrhea

Hospital infections are a serious concern, causing added pain and anguish while extending your in-patient stay and treatment. To learn more about prevention and how the healthcare system is working to advance infection protocols, visit the links below. If you or a loved one experienced a hospital infection believed to be caused by negligence, call us today.Sites Referenced:National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of MedicineOffice of Disease Prevention and Health PromotionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention