This recent study about Hospital Acquired Infections will surprise you

Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) also known as Nosocomial infections, are one the most difficult problems faced by hospitals dealing with severely ill patients. Due to the prolonged stay of patients, this infection is becoming more alarming in the 21^st century, as the antibiotic resistance is spreading fast.

A study conducted by AIIMS in 2010 at the Trauma Centre stated that Hospital Acquired Infections were rising at a rate of 44%. However, with the promotion of hand hygiene & other awareness programs, this infection rate at present has come down to 8.4%. Although minimal, it continues to pose a severe threat to all patients, as any infection, can be fatal for them. Further evidence has been produced by similar studies, bringing this issue to the forefront.

In order to identify this healthcare-acquired the infection, it is very important for us to know and understand how they spread, what do they cause, what are the risk factors, how to avoid them?

Read on to find out more.

How do Hospital-acquired infections spread?

1. Direct contact - infection is acquired by the physical or actual touching of the infected person, animal or any other medium.
2. Indirect contact - infection is acquired through a medium in which the infection spreads from an infected medium to other parts or patients. Bedding, clothing, toys, handkerchiefs and surgical instruments and etc, are a part of this.
3. Droplet spread - Some infections spread very quickly, through activities like sneezing, coughing, or even talking can spread the infections. Airborne infections can remain suspended in the air for a long time, and inhaling these can also lead to transmission.
4. Blood plasma and Food - Sources like water, food, or biological products, can also cause infection. This can occur due to deposit on the skin or the mucous membrane (dust/air).

Some other risk factors are

1. Longer hospital stays
2. Type & duration of surgeries
3. Poor hand hygiene
4. Overuse of antibiotics
5. Invasive procedures
6. Non-compliance with global infection control protocols

What do HAI’s cause?

1. Pneumonia
2. Surgical site infections
3. Gastroenteritis
4. Urinary Tract Infections
5. Primary Bloodstream Infections

How to avoid them?

Today the number of surgeries has doubled up, & the surgical instruments used are a lot more complex. There is a huge chance that the patient may come in contact with an unsterile or improperly cared for instrument. A hospital staff should be very diligent in the sterilization process, to avoid complications.

We at Apollo Spectra Hospitals provide our patients with the best treatments with zero infection rates. Here's what do we do to achieve zero infections rate?

We have world-class infrastructure with

1. Modular operation theatres
2. HEPA filters and Laminar flow in OT
3. Efficient Central Sterile Supply Department

With people & process

1. 100% compliance to infection control SOP’s & protocols based on international guidelines
2. 100% compliance to the WHO recommended hand hygiene protocol
3. Regular training of all staff on infections control SOP’s & protocols
4. Antibiotic Control Policies

Apollo Spectra Hospitals has the best state-of-the-art facilities, with technologically advanced equipment and the best expert specialist doctors. Don’t fear surgery/infections, our experts are here to ensure your best health!