What is a healthcare-associated infection?

Generally, hospital-acquired infections refer to infections obtained by patients, visitors, or hospital staff during their activities in the hospital. These infections are caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Hospital infections can be transmitted through multiple routes. Contact transmission is a common method, including direct contact with an infection source—for example, medical staff failing to wash hands after caring for an infected patient and then contacting other patients—and indirect contact with contaminated objects, such as sharing medical equipment that has not been strictly disinfected. Airborne transmission is also a significant route, as some pathogens can form aerosols that remain suspended in the air for extended periods, potentially infecting individuals who inhale them. Additionally, droplet transmission cannot be overlooked; for example, infected individuals may expel pathogen-containing droplets when coughing or sneezing, which can easily infect those in close proximity.

Hospital infections not only prolong patients' hospital stays and increase medical costs but may also worsen the patient's condition and even threaten life. Hospitals typically implement strict preventive measures, such as thorough disinfection and isolation protocols, hand hygiene standards, and appropriate antibiotic use to reduce the risk of infection.

Patients and their families should actively cooperate with hospital staff, complying with hospital regulations and visiting policies to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.