• Home
  • Privacy
  • Contact

Emerging World

  • News
  • Business
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home Improvement
  • Law
  • SEO
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • More
    • Autos
    • Family & Personal
    • Finance
    • Food
    • Green
    • Lifestyle
    • Pets
    • Travel

4 Dangers Lurking In Hospitals

0
  • by Admin
  • in Health
  • — 21 Oct, 2013

The last thing on anyone’s mind when making a hospital visit is the possibility of contracting a hospital acquired infection (HAI). However, the CDC estimates that 1 out of every 20 hospitalized persons will contract an HAI. These infections are preventable, yet they are still one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Hospital acquired infections are also quite costly, with an annual average of up to $45 billion in added medical costs. Some of the most common of these infections include sepsis, pneumonia, MRSA, and surgical site infections.

4 Dangers Lurking In Hospitals

Image via Flickr by GOVBA

Sepsis

Sepsis, more commonly known as a blood infection, is a condition where a severe infection has made its way into the body via the bloodstream. Bacteria is most commonly responsible for sepsis, although various types of viruses and infections in other parts of the body can aid in its development. Reports indicate that up to 20 percent of patients who develop sepsis after hospitalization will die as a result. There are two main factors that increase the risk for a sepsis infection. An already compromised immune system when you enter the hospital is one of these, due to the fact that a weakened immune system makes it difficult for your body to fend off dangerous bacteria. Improper sterilization techniques after surgery can also greatly add to the risk of infection. Staff, patients, and visitors following hospital procedures regarding proper sanitation techniques will aid in reducing the spread of sepsis.

Pneumonia

Hospital acquired pneumonia is the second most common hospital acquired infection. Nosocomial pneumonia is more severe due to the fact that patients already presented with a compromised immune system and bacteria picked up in hospital environments is more dangerous. These factors can make hospital acquired pneumonia more difficult to treat, with lung damage or death both being possible outcomes. This HAI can be spread from one person to another, with the bacteria being transferred via clothing or skin. Patients with a condition that requires them to be on a respirator for an extended period of time can also be at an increased risk for hospital acquired pneumonia. Reduce pneumonia risk by proper hand washing and adhering to all hospital policies regarding infection control.

MRSA

MRSA is a type of infection that has been receiving quite a bit of news coverage recently. It is important to know that although there are various ways to contract the bacterial infection MRSA, it is most often contracted during hospital stays. The reason that this particular infection is so troublesome to healthcare professionals and members of the public alike is that the infection is resistant to antibiotics and most individuals who have contracted it were already dealing with a compromised immune system when they first entered the hospital. In 2011, there were approximately 80,000 hospital acquired MRSA infections in the US alone. MRSA can be fatal, with the CDC estimating an annual average of 5,500 deaths directly attributed to the infection. However, proper sanitation techniques such as washing hands can help to prevent its transmission.

Surgical Site Infection

Surgical site infections, or SSIs, are infections that occur at the site of a surgery. They can be superficial, involving only the skin, or deep which is under the skin and involving the organs or surgical implants. Signs of surgical site infections include fever, swelling, and redness. It is estimated that up to 3 percent of Americans develop surgical site infections annually. These patients are two times more likely to die as a result of their infection. Risk factors that increase the chances of surgical site infections include smoking, and shaving the surgical site with a razor. Proper hand hygiene and reporting any symptoms to a doctor immediately after onset are both ways to mitigate the risk of surgical site infections.

Hospital acquired infections are a very real risk that the average person does not usually consider upon being admitted for routine procedures. However, there are methods to reduce the chance of infection. Practicing proper hand hygiene is essential to minimizing the risk of hospital acquired infections. When hospitalized request that all doctors, nurses, and visitors wash their hands in front of you. If a friend or family member wishes to visit you but is presenting symptoms of illness tell them to stay home. While their sentiment is much appreciated, the potential spread of illness to already immuno-compromised patients is not. Most importantly, all hospitals have policies and procedures for infection control. It’s important to follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading hospital acquired infections.

Share

Tags: diseasehealthhospitalinfection

— Admin

You may also like...

  • Any Fruit A Day Can Keep Every Disease Away 18 Jun, 2013
  • 5 Places To Go To Feel Pampered 13 Apr, 2013
  • Healthy Life Style For Sportsman’s: 5 Tips On Having A Positive Body Image 3 Sep, 2013
  • The Top 10 Best Habits To Practice For A Healthier Pregnancy The Top 10 Best Habits To Practice For A Healthier Pregnancy 3 Sep, 2015
  • Previous story How Lighting Plays A Crucial Role In Completing The Room Decoration
  • Next story Stylish and Sophisticated: Key Fashion Trends for Men
  • Archives

    • December 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • April 2016
    • March 2016
    • February 2016
    • January 2016
    • December 2015
    • November 2015
    • October 2015
    • September 2015
    • August 2015
    • July 2015
    • June 2015
    • May 2015
    • April 2015
    • March 2015
    • February 2015
    • January 2015
    • December 2014
    • November 2014
    • October 2014
    • September 2014
    • August 2014
    • July 2014
    • June 2014
    • May 2014
    • April 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • December 2013
    • November 2013
    • October 2013
    • September 2013
    • August 2013
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • May 2013
    • April 2013
    • March 2013
    • January 2013
    • December 2012
    • Recent Posts

      • Tips for Choosing the Right Metal and Welding Fabrication Company
      • Hyundai Verna Automatic to get Two New Variants
      • New City, New Home: Ways To Prepare For A Move
      • Using Tax Professionals For Peace of Mind
      • Accessing Auckland – An Introduction To Coworking In Auckland
      • Getting Extra Cash When You Have Bad Credit
      • Australian Amps – An Introduction To The Future Of Australian Solar Energy
      • How To Secure A Premium Location On A Budget With Serviced Offices
      • 7 Tricks To Guarantee You Sell Your Home For An Unbelievable Price
      • 6 Things You Must Add To Your Checklist When Buying A Used Car
      • Farming Must Change In Order To Save Our Water Before It Runs Out
      • Best PPC Management Tips To Run A Successful Adwords Campaign
      • The Heat Pump As One Part Of The HVAC System
      • How To Get Kids Off The Couch
      • How To Protect The Planet While Helping Your Business Save Lots Of Money
    • Site Search

    • Tags

      benefit blogging budget business business marketing car accident choices cloud computing college consequences DIY Education entertainment facebook family finance fitness google haulage companies health Health care holidays home home improvement injury lawyer insurance interior design law lawyer lifestyle marketing money personality pros and cons real estate shopping smartphone Technology television travel travelling truth web design Website weight loss
    • Topics

      • Autos
      • Business
      • Education
      • Entertainment
      • Family & Personal
      • Finance
      • Food
      • Green
      • Health
      • Home Improvement
      • Law
      • Lifestyle
      • News
      • Pets
      • SEO
      • Sports
      • Technology
      • Travel
    • Home
    • Privacy
    • Contact

    © Copyright 2017 | EmergingWorld.org.