Healthcare Associated Infections: Should You Be Concerned?

Although infections, such as Ebola and H1N1, sometimes make the news, there are much more common infections, which can pose a serious health risk to patients who are already hospitalized. MRSA, VAP and C. diff are all common healthcare associated infections, which are on the rise.

Can a Hospital Stay Make You Sick?

Hospitals are supposed to be a place where you go to get better. But in some instances, infections are spread, and patients get sick. 

The infections may be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi. Depending on the site of the infection, localized skin infections, pneumonia and bloodstream infections may result.

Healthcare associated infections can spread in any type of healthcare setting, such as acute care hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient surgical settings, and dialysis clinics.

Infections develop in hospitalized patients for a few different reasons. Bacteria can enter the patient’s body through an open site, such as a surgical wound, urinary catheter or endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.

Infections are also spread from patient to patient inadvertently by healthcare workers. Most people probably think hospitals are a sterile environment where medical professionals are trained to decrease incidences of infection transmission. While that is true, mistakes happen, and illnesses can spread. For example, certain infections can be spread through cross contamination. If a caregiver is treating a patient with a bacterial skin infection and does not sanitize their hands properly, they may pass the infection on to the next patient they treat.

Types of Hospital Acquired Infections

There are several common healthcare associated infections including the following:

MRSA: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a very common healthcare associated infection, which can spread rapidly. MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus infection, which is resistant to common antibiotics. The infection has become very common.

MRSA infections commonly involve the skin, but they can become severe enough to lead to bloodstream infections. Staph can also enter the lungs and lead to pneumonia.  Symptoms vary depending on the area of the body infected.

C.diff: Clostridium difficile is a germ, which can cause inflammation of the colon. It may lead to severe diarrhea and stomach cramping. Some people carry the germ in their intestines. Bacteria normally present in the intestines prevents the germ from growing and making you sick. In the hospital, when you take antibiotics, good bacteria in the intestines may be destroyed along with the infection you are trying to treat. As a result, C.diff grows out of control and leads to intestinal symptoms. The infection may also be spread in the hospital from patient to patient by caregivers. 

See Also: Superbug Clostridium Difficile About to Overtake MRSA in Hospitals

VAP: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common infection, which may develop in patients who require the assistance of a mechanical ventilator to breathe. In order to be placed on a ventilator, patients need to have a breathing tube inserted into their lungs through their mouth. Germs can enter the patient’s body through the tube and cause pneumonia.

Preventing Healthcare Acquired Infections

Although there are several healthcare associated infections, there are many things, medical workers, family members and patients can do to decrease their chances of developing an infection.

Risk Factors and Transmission for Healthcare Associated Infections

Understanding your risk factors is the first step in preventing healthcare associated infections from developing. Although anyone can develop a hospital acquired infection, there are certain risk factors, which increase your chances of becoming infected.  

The longer you stay in the hospital, the greater your chances of developing a healthcare associated infection. Although there may not always be anything you can do about the length of your hospital stay, following the treatment plan prescribed can help you stay on track.

Patients who have a decreased immune system from illnesses, such as HIV or organ transplants are at an increased risk of developing infections including those which are acquired in the hospital. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment are also at a higher risks of infection, such as MRSA.  

Having a surgical incision, wound or urinary catheter placed provides a way for bacteria to enter the body and also increases the chances of developing a healthcare associated infection.

What can you do as a Patient?

There may be instances, where patients are unconscious or unaware of the care they are receiving. But if possible, patients should take an active role in preventing healthcare associated infections whenever they can.

Keeping your hands clean is one important way to reduce the chances of developing an infection. If you touch something that is contaminated with bacteria and then touch an incision, you may be spreading bacteria. Be sure to wash your hands after using the toilet. If you are bedbound, ask for a soapy washcloth and a bucket of water.

Make sure hospital personnel are wearing protective equipment as needed. In some cases, patients are in reverse isolation. That means healthcare workers wear gowns, masks and gloves to protect the patient from any germs the worker may have. Patients who have a lowered immune system are often in reverse isolation. 

Even if you are not immunocompromised, it is perfectly acceptable to ask doctors nurses and other healthcare workers to wash their hands before treating you.

See Also: What To Expect From A Long Hospital Stay And Recovery

Another measure you can take to prevent infections is to let your nurse know if a dressing on a wound becomes wet or comes off. Uncovered wounds may allow bacteria to enter in some cases. In addition, if tubes or catheters become displaced tell you nurse as soon as possible.

Although most people enjoy visits while in the hospital, ask family and friends who are sick to refrain from visiting you while they are ill. A phone call or text can replace an in person visit by those who are sick. Lastly, talk with your nurse if something does not seem sanitary or has you concerned. You can also ask to speak to someone in infection control if you have concerns.