Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections that patients can acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or nursing home. These infections can occur in various parts of the body and may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Common types of HAIs include surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.
Preventing HAIs is crucial for patient safety and involves practices like proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and careful monitoring of patients. Healthcare providers work to minimize the risk of these infections through guidelines and protocols aimed at maintaining a clean and safe environment for all patients.