When an infection develops while hospitalized, it can result in additional complications that are sometimes worse than the original medical condition. Or it can cause an illness to get progressively worse, even fatal.
Unfortunately, some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, which is the case with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), something health officials say is spreading not only in hospitals but nursing homes as well. As with any type of bacterial infection, there are factors that can increase the risk of developing it.
With this particular kind of bacteria, CRE, it is more likely to hit patients in:
- nursing homes;
- long-term facilities; and
- those who are hospitalized for an extended period of time.
Of course, unsanitary conditions can also play a role. It’s important to be in a hospital that is clean and whose medical staff practices good hygiene. This includes proper hand washing and wearing gloves when touching patients.
Common Types of Hospital Infections
Some hospital-acquired infections may be more common than others. An example is bloodstream infection, which generally develops from tubes that aren’t sterile or are left in the body longer than necessary. This can include catheters and those inserted into veins in order to administer medication or monitor the patient’s blood flow.
Norovirus is another type of infection that can strike a hospital. It affects the stomach and intestines. Clostridium difficile (C. diff) may also affect hospital patients. It also affects the gastrointestinal system. Elderly individuals and those who are very ill may be most at risk, but these infections may affect many others as well.
Regardless of the type of infection – whether CRE, Norovisus, C. diff. or another – if medical negligence such as improper sanitary or hygienic practices are to blame, victims may have grounds to recover damages. The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates may be able to help patients who suspect a hospital-acquired infection was the result of improper hygiene or sanitation.
