When we stay in hospitals – even for a routine procedure – we are at risk of hospital-acquired antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections. Since antibiotics are frequently used within hospitals, the types of bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics are different from bacteria outside the hospital.

Based on the most recent data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA, some 650,000 people developed hospital-acquired infections in 2011, and 75,000 died. Hospital-acquired infections are even more likely in developing countries where resources are limited and there are fewer controls on the use of antibiotics.[1]

To reduce the risk of a hospital-acquired infection, you should be aware of these recommendations for patients and the general public:[2] [3]

#1. Know that there is a risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Many people do not know that staying in hospitals puts them at risk of developing a hospital-acquired infection. In some countries, such as the USA, you can check a hospital’s infection score from free websites to better understand the risks involved in staying there.

#2. Take a shower before admission or before surgery.

Ask your doctor about taking precautions before entering into a hospital for surgery, such as bathing with a special soap or using antiseptic wipes.

#3. Insist on clean hands, and practice telling people to wash their hands.

Insisting isn’t easy! Asking someone to wash their hands can feel insulting, awkward, or even rude (particularly if you are a patient talking to healthcare workers). However, the best way to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infection is excellent hand hygiene and handwashing. Many doctors and healthcare workers will be very open about handwashing, even asking you to remind them to wash their hands.

Everyone, including your relatives and all healthcare workers, must wash their hands: (1) before touching you; (2) before any health procedure; (3) after touching any body fluid; (4) after touching you; and (5) after touching your surroundings.[4]

Don’t hesitate to say: “I’m sorry, but I didn’t see you wash your hands. Would you mind doing it again?”

#4. Keep everything clean.

Routine cleaning of surfaces may reduce the spread of infectious microorganisms and prevent hospital-acquired infections.

#5. Inquire whether intravenous (IV) devices and catheters are still needed.

Ask every day whether central lines, urinary catheters, or other tubes can be removed. The longer they’re left in place, the higher the infection risk.

#6. Ask about antibiotics.

Ask if antibiotics were prescribed and whether you need them. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can increase your risk of hospital-acquired infections.

#7. Watch out for diarrhoea.

If you have loose stools, please inform your doctors. That could be a sign of hospital-acquired infection.

#8. Stop smoking and drinking, even if only temporarily.

You won’t be allowed to smoke or drink alcohol in the hospital anyway, and stopping as long as possible beforehand can cut the risk of infection.

While no medical outcome can be guaranteed, these tips may help reduce your chances of getting an infection while receiving treatment at a hospital or healthcare facility.

Check out videos about hospital-acquired infections:

WHO: SAVE LIVES - Clean Your Hands - No action today; no cure tomorrow

References

1 WHO. (2016). Guidelines on core components of infection prevention and control programmes at the ... national and acute health care facility level. ISBN 978-92-4-154992-9

2 Consumer Reports. (2016). 15 Tips for Preventing Infections in the Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/hospital-acquired-infections/15-tips-for-preventing-infections-in-the-hospital/

3 Mitchell, E. (2015, May 13). 5 Things You Can Do To Avoid A Hospital-Acquired Infection. Retrieved from http://blog.eoscu.com/blog/5-things-you-can-do-to-avoid-a-hospital-acquired-infection

4 WHO. (2013, May 03). About SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/background/5moments/en/