Hospital Infections

Healthcare Associated Infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidence of healthcare-associated infections has risen at an alarming rate. In a survey conducted by the CDC, 1 in 25 patients contracted an infection during a hospital stay, and roughly 75,000 died as a result of hospital infections. The types of infections common in hospitals include:

• Bloodstream infections
• Catheter associated urinary tract infections
• Surgical site infections
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia
• Bacterial infections
• Influenza
• Hepatitis
• Tuberculosis
• Staph infections

Though not as common, patients can also be at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), transferred from tainted blood or body fluids. Unfortunately, hospitals can end up being hot spots for viruses and infections to flourish.

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How Does Your Hospital Rate?

Based on information provided by the CDC, Consumer Reports recently rated over 3,000 hospitals in terms of risk for healthcare-associated infections. According to their report, the hospitals with the highest rates of infection tended to be large hospitals in metropolitan areas, as well as teaching hospitals. Hospitals with the lowest rates of infections were found to focus on two things: cleanliness, and using prescription antibiotics wisely. The misuse of antibiotics in hospital settings can result in stronger, more prevalent, and more drug-resistant strains of infections. In order to prevent you or someone you love being a victim of a healthcare associated infections; follow these tips to avoid infection during a hospital stay:

• Bring bleach wipes with you from home to disinfect surfaces when you go to the hospital
• Make sure your room is clean. If it is not, request it be cleaned, or that you be given another room
• Wash your hands frequently, use sanitizer, and request doctors, nurses, and staff to do the same
• Make sure any antibiotics prescribed are medically necessary
• Request tubes be removed as quickly as possible
• Avoid using hospital razors, and bring an electric hair remover from home

Contact Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys

If you or someone you care about has suffered a hospital infection, contact our experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorneys right away. Healthcare associated infections can result in serious injury, and even death. At Anastopoulo Law Firm we’ll help you to get the compensation you deserve for damages caused by your infection. We will fight for your rights, and hold responsible parties accountable for your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation.