Introduction
The human body is perhaps one of the most comprehensive systems that can be jeopardized by different infections. Such infections include Hospital Acquired Infections, which can be contracted through different ways. This paper will highlight on three distinct aspects of Hospital Acquired Infections including the different types of Hospital Acquired Infections and its subsequent risk factors, the effects of Hospital Acquired Infections, and various methods through which hospitals can prevent Hospital Acquired Infections. Overall, the paper will address the above connoted aspects in order to give a comprehensive understanding of the infection.
Risk factors and types of Hospital Acquired Infections
Hospital acquired infections can also be referred to as nosocomial infections. A patient may contract hospital acquired infection because of negligence of the hospital, but sometimes these infections are contracted by nature. Hospital Acquired Infections can be contracted through transfer of organisms from a patient to another, and this is known as cross transfer (Taylor et al., 2001). Besides, they can be contracted from an object that is contaminated by these organisms and this type of transfer is known as environmental transfer. Notably, there are four major types of Hospital Acquired Infections that include surgical site infection, nosocomial bacteriemia, urinary infections, and noscomial pneumonia. Surgical infections are mainly signified by the presence of a discharge on the surgical wound (Filetoth, 2003). Surgical infections are normally contracted either through the equipments being used during the surgery, the air, the skin, from blood transfused during the surgical procedure or even at times one can contract the infection from the doctors. Noscomial pneumonia is in most cases contracted when patients are using respiratory equipments. On the other hand, microorganisms that are usually endogenous mainly caused nosocomial bacteriemia. Other than these four major types of hospital, acquired infections there are others such as gastroenteritis, infections of soft tissues, sinusitis, endometritis, and skin infections among others.
Effects of Hospital Acquired Infections
Hospital Acquired Infections can result in one’s body becoming weaker because the disease causing pathogens that have entered the body. It is important to note that micro – organisms that cause hospital acquired infections are usually prevalent in the normal environment where there is high population (Talyor & et., 2001). However, their effects are not as adverse as whenever they attack a person whose immunity is weak such a patient. In some cases, hospital acquired infections may result in the death of a patient.
Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections
One can prevent himself from contracting Hospital Acquired Infections through numerous ways. One way through which one can prevent himself from contracting these infections is through ensuring that you wash your hands regularly when you are in a hospital setting. One should wash hands using antiseptic soap and water. One can also ensure that his or her hands are clean by cleansing their hands using antiseptic hand Sanitizers (Gould, 2011). Hospitals should ensure that the hospitals or health facilities have an adequate supply of water in order to ensure that high standards of hygiene are maintained. Doctors should ensure that they sterilize their equipment before using them to treat a patient. Lab technicians should also ensure that blood stored for the purposes of transfusion is free from bacteria or any other harmful micro – organisms. Patients that are coughing should use handkerchiefs to cover their mouth whenever they are sneezing or coughing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hospital Acquired Infections can be contracted through a number of ways. Nevertheless, the above analysis offers a substantive reflection of the manner in which prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections can be feasibly achieved. It is the duty of both the patient and the hospital administration to play their role with regard to hygiene and contraction of these infections (Wilcox, 2009). Cooperation between patients and hospital can significantly reduce the prevalence of Hospital Acquired Infections.
References
Filetoth, Z. (2003). Hospital Acquired Infection. Philadelphia: Whurr Publisher.
Gould, I. M. (2011). Antibiotic Policies. New York: Springer.
Taylor, K., Plowman, R., & Roberts, J. (2001). The Challenge of Hospital Acquired Infections. London: Stationary Office.
Wilcox, J. (2009). Hospital Acquired Infection. New York: Nova Science.
