Spending time in a hospital, nursing home or any type of healthcare facility puts patients at risk for healthcare-acquired infections, or HAIs. Transmission of these bacteria comes throughmany sources. A major cause is using contaminated medical as a matter of fact devices during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Other modes of transmissionwellinclude improperly cleaned or maintained ice machines, table trays and assorted hospital equipment as as contaminated high-touch surfaces throughout the facility. Patients are exposed to the germs on these surfaces through both direct and indirect contact in modern times when proper sanitation procedures are not followed.
While not every mode of transmission is preventable, such as airborne spread, there are ways to reduce the excessively high rate of infection. By adhering to industry best practices, organizations, staff members and patients can takeofsteps to minimize the transmission infections and diseases. For instance, patients should follow strict hand hygiene practices during their hospital stay, complete any course of antibiotics they are prescribed and monitor IV sites for redness, swelling or leakage.
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