Hospital infections: what you need to know
Hospital infections (also called healthcare-associated infections or HAIs) happen when germs spread during medical care. They can affect anyone — patients, visitors, or staff. The good news: many are preventable. This page gives simple, practical advice you can use right away.
Common types and how they start
Some infections show up more often in hospitals. Surgical site infections happen after operations when bacteria enter a wound. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) come from urine tubes left in too long. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are tied to IV lines. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs in people on breathing machines. Each type has its own signs, but fever, redness, unusual drainage, or sudden breathing trouble should get attention fast.
Germs move by hands, contaminated equipment, or surfaces. Staff moving between patients can spread bacteria if they skip hand hygiene. Shared devices — like blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, or phones — can carry bugs if not cleaned. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA, VRE) make prevention even more important because they’re harder to treat.
Practical steps to reduce your risk
If you or a loved one is in the hospital, you can help lower the chance of infection. Ask staff to wash their hands or use sanitizer before touching the patient. It’s OK to remind them — most nurses and doctors expect it. Keep wounds covered and ask how often dressings will be changed. If a catheter or IV is no longer needed, ask that it be removed promptly.
Visitors should avoid coming when sick and use hand sanitizer on arrival. Clean personal items like phones and tablets. If isolation precautions are in place (gown, gloves), follow them exactly. For surgeries, follow pre-op instructions: shower with the recommended soap and avoid lotions or jewelry.
Hospitals also follow policies you can ask about. Ask which antibiotics are used and whether the hospital has an antibiotic stewardship program — programs that limit unnecessary antibiotic use reduce resistant bugs. Ask about cleaning routines for rooms and equipment. If you notice visibly dirty equipment or poor hygiene, report it to staff or the patient safety team.
Know the warning signs to watch for after discharge: fever, increasing pain, redness or drainage at an incision, trouble breathing, or urinary symptoms. Call your doctor if anything feels wrong. Early treatment matters.
Small actions make a big difference. Hand hygiene, removing unneeded devices, asking questions, and following instructions cut the risk of hospital infections. You don’t need medical training to protect yourself — just stay alert, speak up, and follow simple hygiene steps.
