| When a patient is admitted to the hospital, he or | | | | each year. Of those infections, 99,000 lead to |
| she expects to receive treatment and emerge | | | | fatalities. |
| healthier than when they entered. However, | | | | The following steps can be taken by hospital |
| oftentimes patients are exposed to certain | | | | personnel and guests in order to prevent the |
| conditions in which they can be subject to | | | | spread of infection and maintain a sanitary |
| acquisition of an infection. This type of | | | | environment: |
| hospital-acquired infection is called "Nosocomial" | | | | · Proper sterilization of medical tools, dressings, |
| and is typically diagnosed within the first 48 hours | | | | and uniforms |
| of a patient's admission to the hospital, or 30 days | | | | · Isolate patients with especially contagious |
| after their release. | | | | illnesses |
| Nosocomial infections can be spread through | | | | · Frequent and proper hand washing |
| several different methods. These methods include | | | | · Use aprons and gloves at all times |
| contact transmission (the most common form), | | | | · Proper sterilization of all surfaces |
| transmission through droplets (including coughing or | | | | · Make sure to use alcohol rubs and antimicrobial |
| sneezing), airborne methods, or through vectors, | | | | agents when possible |
| such as rodents or other creatures that may be | | | | Despite the best safety precautions, you still may |
| present in the hospital setting. In addition, | | | | be infected when staying at a hospital. If your |
| unsanitary conditions can also attribute to the | | | | infection is due to the negligent behavior of |
| spread of infection. Because patients usually have | | | | others, you may be entitled to financial |
| deficient immune systems, extra precaution | | | | compensation following a civil lawsuit. The hospital |
| should be taken to ensure that the conditions are | | | | administration, staff and maintenance crews have |
| as sterilized as possible. | | | | a responsibility to provide optimal care to patients. |
| The Centers for Disease Control estimates that | | | | If this does not happen and reckless behavior |
| there are about 1.7 million cases of | | | | occurs, they should be held accountable for their |
| hospital-acquired infections in the United States | | | | actions. |