Can a hospital catch a disease? (Healthcare-Associated Infections) Let's find out exactly about this!

We all go to a hospital or a clinic to get treatment for some illness. But sometimes, without us even thinking, we go to get treatment for one illness and another new infection can enter our body. This is actually a reasonable question and a little fear for many people. So today we will talk about these infections that are transmitted in hospitals, which doctors call `(Healthcare-Associated Infections - HAIs)` or `(Nosocomial Infections)`, and these are about these.

What are these ``Healthcare-Associated Infections''?

Simply put, this is when you go to a hospital, clinic, or surgery to get treatment for something else, and you develop new infections while you're there. Sometimes these can be simple, but sometimes they can be serious, life-threatening conditions . These infections can occur not only in hospitals, but also in places like surgical centers, dialysis clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Doctors will only accurately call this an HAI in cases like this:

• If an infection develops after 48 hours of admission to the hospital.
• If an infection develops within 3 days of being discharged from the hospital or operating room and going home .
• If an infection occurs within 30 days of surgery .

Although anyone can get these types of infections, those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. This is mainly due to the types of germs (pathogens) that are around us. These include:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi `(Funguses)`

Remember, most of these HAIs are preventable. However, millions of patients and healthcare workers around the world are infected with them every year. Therefore, it is very important for hospital staff and patients' families to work together to address this issue.

What are the main types of infections that can be transmitted in hospitals in this way?

There are several types of hospital-associated infections like this. Their causes are also varied. Let's look at the main ones.

C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) infection

This is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. It causes stomach pain, diarrhea, and inflammation of the colon (colitis). Some people are more likely to get it again within two to eight weeks after they have had it.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

About 32% of all hospital infections are of this type. You may recall that some people have a tube inserted from their bladder to help them pass urine more easily, called a catheter. ThisThis urinary tract infection is more likely to develop when you hold it in for a long time.

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)

Bloodborne infections account for about 14% of hospital-acquired infections. These occur in people who have a central line (central venous catheter). This involves inserting a tube into a large vein near the heart, giving medication through it, and taking blood without frequent needle sticks.

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection

This is also a very common HAI. It is a `(Staph infection)`, which means it is an infection caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus. But the specialty of this one is that it is resistant to some powerful antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, and methicillin, which means it is difficult to cure with those medicines.

Surgical Site Infection (SSI)

About 22% of all hospital infections are surgical-associated infections. These infections can affect not only the incision wounds, but also the tissues and organs inside the body, and sometimes even the devices (implants) such as pacemakers or artificial joints that were inserted into the body during surgery. Imagine, in our neighboring village, Sumane's uncle came home after undergoing surgery for appendicitis, and after coming home, the wound festered and he had to go back to the hospital. That's what it's like.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

This also accounts for about 15% of hospital infections. This condition occurs in people who are receiving mechanical ventilation . This type of pneumonia occurs when germs enter the lungs through the breathing tube of a ventilator, which is used to help people breathe on their own.

What symptoms does this type of infection cause?

When a hospital-acquired infection occurs, the symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection. However, here are some common symptoms:

• Fever .
• Chills are the feeling of being cold and shivering .
• Difficulty breathing , a feeling of tightness in the chest (dyspnea).
• Cough .
• Stomach ache .
• Feeling like your chest is beating fast (heart palpitations).
• Diarrhea (poor bowel movements).
• Urinating more frequently than usual (polyuria).
• Burning and pain when urinating (dysuria).
• Changes in mental status - agitation, irritability, feeling of loss of consciousness.

Why do these types of infections occur in hospitals? What are the causes?

These hospital-associated infections can be caused by a variety of germs (pathogens). Some of the most common examples are:

• Gram-negative bacteria: These can cause things like blood poisoning, pneumonia, and meningitis.
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff): This is a bacteria that can cause inflammation of the intestines and severe diarrhea that is easily spread to others.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): This is a bacterial infection that we've talked about before, and some antibiotics don't work.
• Hepatitis: This is a group of easily transmitted viral infections that affect the liver.

It is also important to know how these infections are spread. They can be spread through respiratory droplets when someone sneezes or coughs . They can also spread if healthcare workers do not take proper infection control measures (for example, if equipment is not properly sterilized) .

Who is at higher risk of developing this infection?

Things that increase your risk of developing a disease are called risk factors. You are more likely to develop a hospital-acquired infection if your treatment includes:

• If you have catheters in place.
• If you are receiving help breathing with a ventilator.
• If you have to take injections frequently.
• If you are undergoing surgery.

What complications can occur due to this infection?

The complications that can occur from these infections depend on the type of infection and its severity. Let's look at the complications that can occur from several major types of HAI:

• Central Line Associated Blood Infections (CLABSI):
• Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis)
• Vein thrombosis and inflammation (Thrombophlebitis)
• Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis)
• Abscess
• Sepsis (a severe infection that spreads throughout the body, also called blood poisoning)

• Surgical site infections (SSI):
• The wound takes time to heal.
• Having to undergo surgery again.
• The body's failure to accept implanted medical devices.
• Body cavity infections.
• Sepsis.

• Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI):
• Urinary tract infections.
• Sepsis.

• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP):
• Respiratory failure.
• Accumulation of pus in the lining of the lungs (Empyema).
• Sepsis.

How do doctors diagnose these infections?

Most of the time, doctors can tell if someone has an HAI when they have the symptoms we discussed earlier. Sometimes, the first signs are redness of the skin, a rash, or discharge from a surgical wound . To confirm the diagnosis or to rule out another condition, your doctor may order urinalysis or blood tests .

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment for HAI depends on the type of infection. Doctors may use medications such as:

• Antibiotics ( for bacterial infections)
• Antivirals ( for viral infections)
• Antifungals ( for fungal infections)

But there's another problem. Sometimes these treatments can be less effective because of conditions like antibiotic resistance, antiviral resistance, and antifungal resistance. This "resistance" means that germs have changed (evolved) over time and are no longer effective against the drugs that were designed to kill them. That's one reason why these HAIs are sometimes so difficult to treat.

Therefore, although it is not always possible, the best treatment for these hospital-associated infections is to prevent them before they occur.

What can we do to prevent these hospital-associated infections?

Not all hospital-acquired infections can be prevented, but if you and your family follow these steps together, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing an infection.

• Keep your hands clean. One of the best ways to stop the spread of germs and protect yourself from illness is to wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Ask the doctors and nurses who treat you what they do to control infections. If you have any concerns or fears, don't be afraid to talk about them.
• If you have a catheter, always ask your doctor or nurse if it is still needed. Sometimes it may be left in even after it is no longer needed.
• If you are taking antibiotics , take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the exact amount and for the exact length of time. Do not stop taking them until your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
• Before giving you antibiotics , ask your doctor to run tests to make sure they are the right one for your infection.
• Ask what steps they take to prevent infections before and after an operation.Also, ask what you can do to reduce the risk of infection as you prepare for surgery.
• Learn to recognize the signs of a skin infection. If there is redness, drainage, or pain around a surgical wound or catheter site, it could be a sign of infection.
• Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccinations on time. This can help protect against some infections.

What is the future for someone who has contracted such an infection?

In most cases, if an HAI like this is diagnosed early and treated properly, people can make a full recovery. However, such people may have to stay in the hospital longer and may face additional obstacles on their journey to recovery.

In some cases, these hospital-acquired infections can lead to serious health complications and even death. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 99,000 people die each year in American hospitals alone from these hospital-acquired infections. This is a worldwide problem.

When should I see a doctor?

If you develop any suspicious symptoms, or if you feel that your symptoms are getting worse, you should definitely tell your doctor. This is especially important if you are currently hospitalized or have recently undergone surgery. If you feel that something is not right, no matter what, see your doctor immediately and get the necessary treatment.

When we all get sick, we go to hospitals and clinics to get better. But when we go there and get another illness, it really causes anxiety, uncertainty, and maybe even a little fear.

Nosocomial infections can cause serious complications. But remember, many of these HAIs are preventable. We all have a responsibility to make the hospital environment a safe place. If you see something that you think could be an infection for you or someone else, don't be afraid to tell your healthcare team.

Finally, things to remember

So, I hope you now have a good understanding of what hospital-acquired infections are, how they occur, and how to prevent them. The most important thing is to be aware of this and take care of your own safety. If you or someone you know is hospitalized, be aware of these things. Ask questions, clear your doubts. Then we can avoid these unwanted infections as much as possible.

` Hospital-associated infections, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Nosocomial Infections, Hospital-acquired diseases, Infection control, Germs, Hospital safety