Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): Causes, Risks & Prevention

A hospital-acquired infection (also called a nosocomial infection) is an infection that is contracted in a hospital or other healthcare facility. These infections can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for people who are already sick.

Hospital-acquired infections can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Some of the most common hospital-acquired infections include:

- Surgical site infections

- Pneumonia

- Urinary tract infections

- Sepsis

- Clostridium difficile (C. diff) colitis

Hospital-acquired infections can be prevented by following strict infection control measures. These measures include:

- Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

- Wearing gloves when handling bodily fluids

- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment regularly

- Isolating patients who are infected with contagious diseases

By following these measures, hospitals and other healthcare facilities can help to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.