Did you catch a disease in the hospital? Let's talk about Nosocomial Infections

We all go to a hospital, a channeling center, or a clinic to get treatment for an illness. But imagine, what if we go for treatment and develop a new infection in addition to that illness? It is really hard to imagine. But sometimes it can happen. That is how we call “ Healthcare-Associated Infections ” (HAIs) the infections that we contract while receiving treatment at a healthcare facility.

What exactly are these hospital-associated infections (HAIs)?

Simply put, any infection you get from a hospital, surgery, or clinic for treatment of another condition falls into this category. These can sometimes be minor infections, but in some cases, they can cause serious conditions that can even be life-threatening.

Generally, for an infection to be considered a hospital-associated infection, the following must be met:

• Identification of infection within 48 hours of hospital admission.
• Infection within 3 days of discharge from the hospital.
• An infection within 30 days of surgery.

The main cause of these infections is germs . That is, microorganisms such as bacteria , viruses , and fungi . In fact, many of these infections are preventable. This requires a collaborative effort between hospital staff, patients, and their families.

What are the most common types of hospital-associated infections?

There are several types of infections that can occur in a hospital environment. Let's look at the main ones. I have put them in a table like this to make them easier to understand.

What are the symptoms of these infections?

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection. But there are some common signs that you may see. If you are being treated in a hospital or have recently had surgery, it is very important to be aware of these symptoms.

• Fever
• Shivering due to cold
• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea)
• Cough
• Stomach ache
• Heart palpitations
• Diarrhea
• Urinating more frequently than normal (Polyuria)
• Burning or pain when urinating (Dysuria)
• Changes in mood (e.g., irritability, sudden outbursts of anger)

How do these infections spread and who is most at risk?

These infections can spread in different ways.

• Through droplets of saliva that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes .
• When healthcare workers touch patients without properly cleaning their hands.
• When using medical equipment that has not been sterilized.
• By touching surfaces (doorknobs, beds) that are contaminated with germs.

If you use the following items during any treatment, your risk of developing a hospital-acquired infection is slightly higher.

• Urinary catheters
• Ventilation
• Injections
• Surgery

In all of these cases, the skin, which is our body's natural protective barrier, is pierced , creating a path for germs to enter the body. That is why it is important to take care of maximum cleanliness and disinfection in such cases.

What complications can occur due to this infection?

A hospital-acquired infection is not a simple matter. If it is not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications. These complications vary depending on the type of infection.

How is it treated?

The doctor will first review your symptoms and, if you have had surgery, examine the wound. If an infection is suspected, they may order blood tests or urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is determined by the cause of the infection.

• Antibiotics if it is a bacterial infection
• Antivirals if it is a viral infection
• Antifungals if it is a fungal infection

But there is one big challenge here. That is antibiotic resistance . That is, some types of bacteria become accustomed to drugs over time and become resistant to those drugs. This is a big problem when treating hospital-acquired infections. That is why we say not to use antibiotics unnecessarily.

Most importantly: How can these infections be prevented?

Prevention is better than cure, and as a patient, you and your family can play a big role in this.

• Keep your hands clean: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best way to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands before and after each visit to the hospital, especially when visiting a patient.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions: Ask the doctor or nurse treating you about the infection control measures they follow. For example, it's okay to ask, "Doctor, did you wash your hands before giving me the injection?"
• If you have a urinary catheter, be careful about it: Always ask your doctor, "Is this catheter still needed?" Because the risk of infection is higher as long as it is in place.
• Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor: Take them only as prescribed, at the prescribed dose, for the prescribed length of time. Do not stop taking them halfway.
• Be informed before and after surgery: Ask your doctor what you need to do to prevent infections before and after surgery.
• Recognize signs of infection: If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus around a wound , notify your doctor immediately.
• Get the necessary vaccinations: Get recommended vaccinations, such as the flu shot, on time.

We go to the hospital hoping to get better. It's really heartbreaking to get sick again in such a place. But remember, many of these infections are preventable. We all have a responsibility to protect our health. If you see something that could put you or someone else at risk of infection, don't hesitate to inform the health care staff.

Hospital-associated infections, nosocomial infections, healthcare-associated infections, hospital-acquired diseases, C. diff, MRSA, CAUTI, surgical site infections, sepsis, infection prevention