Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and sepsis in hospitals are a common and unfortunate complication. Every year, around one out of every 25 hospital patients develops an HAI, with many of these infections developing into sepsis or other complications. The consistent rate of HAIs occurring in hospitals across the United States has the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations taking an aggressive approach to prevent infections and ensure that hospitals adhere to standards.
Read on to learn more about HAIs and sepsis in hospitals, and what these often preventable infections could mean for your health. If you have questions about HAIs and your legal rights, contact our Houston medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case.
HAIs are More Dangerous than Viral Infections
Unlike the more common viral infection, HAIs are caused by bacteria, which is aggressive and often resistant to antibiotics. This makes HAIs a tremendous concern for patients and the healthcare community at large. Without immediate and appropriate treatment, HAIs can quickly develop into complicated infections, such as sepsis or septic shock. In fact, a large portion of HAIs reported in hospitals are related to sepsis.
Sepsis is a type of HAI that occurs most commonly after surgery, among patients with compromised immune systems, patients with chronic health conditions, and the elderly. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences estimates that over one million Americans develop sepsis in hospitals each year. Of those, 15 to 30 percent die. Furthermore, these rates have continued to rise in recent years. The continued increase in the rate of sepsis in hospitals is attributed to:
- Increased tracking and data collection.
- Average age of Americans increasing, making the population of individuals living with chronic conditions also increasing.
- Many infections are resistant to antibiotics, which can increase the risk of developing sepsis.
- Organ transplants continue to be more common. Patients receiving an 