According to HAI Surveillance, over 1.4 million patients suffer from healthcare-associated illnesses (HAIs) at any given time. Not only can these conditions become fatal, but they also significantly impact adverse patient outcomes, increased cost of treatment, and economic development. It is essential to prevent HAIs from affecting the patient's recovery cycle and simultaneously ensure a safe and healthy hospital environment for patients, healthcare providers and visitors. Certain must be implemented in hospitals, homes, and surrounding areas.
One of the most common infections that should be prevented is SSI, defined as contamination at the site of the wound or injury. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that SSI is the most surveyed and frequent type of Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) in low-and middle-income countries, affecting one-third of patients who have undergone a surgical procedure.
Good hygiene habits are the first line of defense (whether in hospitals or at home) to prevent infections and keep germs at bay. Doing this makes it possible to tackle diseases without affecting other people. Some important tips include:
Since vaccine stimulates the immunity in a person to protect them against subsequent infections or diseases, they are essential for reducing IPC. Since vaccines protect an individual against certain conditions by imitating an infection and teaching the immune system how to fight off a future illness, taking them at the right time is essential. It is crucial to remember that after a person gets vaccinated against a particular disease, they might cause minor symptoms, such as fever, which is expected as the body builds immunity.
Author
Dr. Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine
Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi