Understanding Hospital Acquired Infections

The Risk of Infections in Hospitals

Hospitals are often viewed as safe havens for medical treatment; however, they can also be environments where infections are contracted. During visits for primary care, surgery, or emergencies, patients may face the risk of pathogen exposure. One crucial metric for assessing this risk is the Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI), which serves as an indicator of safety and compliance in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 1.7 million patients acquire an HAI each year, with one in seventeen succumbing to these infections. HAIs refer to infections that occur during a hospital stay and are not related to the initial reason for admission, often manifesting shortly after discharge. The medical community regards these infections as particularly concerning, frequently classifying them as antibiotic-resistant.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the ability of pathogens to adapt and evade treatment medications. This resistance largely stems from years of antibiotic misuse, such as prescribing antibiotics for viral infections like colds. Many common ailments, including colds, influenza, and COVID-19, are caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not affect. The overuse of antibiotics has allowed bacteria to evolve into “superbugs,” which pose significant challenges in treating HAIs. These antibiotic-resistant strains do not respond to current medications, increasing the risk of complications and mortality for patients suffering from conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pneumonia.

What to Do If You Get Sick

Understanding the Risks During Hospital Admissions

With the onset of cold and flu season, hospital admissions are on the rise, which in turn raises the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant HAIs. It is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers associated with hospital stays. If hospitalization is necessary due to a severe illness, it is important to adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidance. Here are some practical tips to minimize the risk of acquiring an HAI while in the hospital.

Tips for Reducing the Risk of HAIs

Request a Private Room

While it may not always be feasible due to space constraints, asking for a private room can help isolate you from other patients and their visitors, reducing exposure to unknown bacteria.

Practice Hand Hygiene

Ensure that both you and your healthcare staff are practicing thorough handwashing. Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of germs. Keeping alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby can also be beneficial.

Avoid Catheters When Possible

Although urinary catheters can offer convenience, they increase the risk of developing UTIs. If a catheter is necessary, request its removal as soon as it is no longer needed to minimize infection risk.

Prevention is Key

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, often referred to as “superbugs,” are a persistent challenge in healthcare. While the scientific community is actively working on new treatment options, the most effective strategy remains prevention. By staying informed and following the recommendations outlined above, patients can better protect themselves against antibiotic-resistant infections during hospital stays.

References

1. Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP). (July 25, 2022). National HAI Targets & Metrics. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/oidp/topics/health-care-associated-infections/targets-metrics/index.html.
2. Haque, M., Sartelli, M., McKimm, J., & Abu Bakar, M. (2018). Health care-associated infections – an overview. Infection and Drug Resistance, 11, 2321–2333. https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S177247.
3. World Health Organization. (2022). World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week/2022.
4. Aslam, B., Wang, W., Arshad, M. I., Khurshid, M., Muzammil, S., Rasool, M. H., Nisar, M. A., Alvi, R. F., Aslam, M. A., Qamar, M. U., Salamat, M., & Baloch, Z. (2018). Antibiotic resistance: a rundown of a global crisis. Infection and Drug Resistance, 11, 1645–1658. https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S173867.
5. Hospital design and risk of nosocomial infection: A prospective controlled trial. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT00563186. Updated October 23, 2018. Accessed on November 4, 2022.
6. Hillier, M. D. (2020). Using effective hand hygiene practice to prevent and control infection. Nurs Stand, 35(5), 45-50. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2020.e11552.
7. Whitaker, A., Colgrove, G., Scheutzow, M., Ramic, M., Monaco, K., & Hill Jr, J. L. (2022). Decreasing catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) at a community academic medical center using a multidisciplinary team employing a multi-pronged approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. American Journal of Infection Control.