What are HAIs and How Can You Prevent Them?

HAIs are dangerous and could even lead to death. It’s absolutely necessary for healthcare professionals to follow protocols for cleanliness and waste disposal.

When most people visit a hospital or need to have a medical procedure done, they expect that they’ll leave healed or on the path toward improvement. Sometimes, however, they end up with infections that weren’t there previously.

This is commonly referred to HAIs, or Healthcare Associated Infections. They are dangerous and can even lead to death. The illness caused isn’t just stressful to endure, it can also take a financial and emotional toll on patients.

HAIs can occur from bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens entering via an IV, catheter or even a ventilator. Urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream illnesses usually result. 

To prevent these problems from occurring, it’s absolutely necessary for healthcare professionals to follow protocols for cleanliness and waste disposal.

From washing hands and using sanitizing spray, to disinfecting tools, as well as consistently cleaning their devices and using gloves – there are many steps to take to prevent the spread of disease.

Those items that cannot be cleaned and sterilized should be disposed of properly.  By keeping all medical waste separated and protected, a cleaner hospital environment will result and help those with lower immune systems who stay at hospitals for the prolonged periods to receive their required care without the chance or contracting a bacterial or fungal infection.

Training and mandatory updates to procedures throughout a healthcare facility remain important along with regular training for all workers on how to protect themselves and patients from issues that were not part of their original diagnosis.

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