r even months. Because central lines are inserted into major veins and are kept in place for longer durations, the risk of infection and serious complications are higher.
Urinary Tract Infections
Many hospital patients require the use of a urinary catheter. This catheter is inserted into the urethra, and serves as a drain for urine during hospitalization. Urinary catheters are a common cause of infections, including the common catheter-associated urinary tract infection, or CAUTI. These are the most common HAI occurring in hospitals, with at least 75 percent of all UTIs occurring in hospitals being classified as a CAUTI.
Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site infections are a common risk factor in hospitals. Any time surgery is performed, there is a chance of bacteria entering the body. During recovery, there are also further opportunities for bacteria to move into the wound if it is not properly cleaned, covered, and taken care of. Surgical site infections are called SSIs, and can easily develop into sepsis or septic shock. Bloodstream infections, including sepsis, following surgery occur at a rate of 5.23 percent, meaning that more than five percent of all surgical patients will develop an infection.
Patients who need help breathing may be placed on a ventilator. Ventilators have tubes that run down the throat and into the airway. The machine helps expand and retract the lungs and helps the patient breathe easier. Unfortunately, ventilators have been known to increase the risk of pneumonia. Ventilator tubes may provide an avenue for bacteria to travel into the lungs. Pneumonia, as a bacterial infection, is a common cause of sepsis in hospitals.
Strategies to Prevent HAIs and Sepsis in Hospitals
Due to some of the concerning rates of HAIs in U.S. hospitals, the CDC has initiated a series of prevention strategies. These strategies use surveillance, laboratory research, and outbreak investigations to develop improved prevention techniques. The CDC offers healthcare providers with toolkits and other information abo