Hospital-acquired infections (also called Health Care-Related Infection - IRAs) are complications that can be caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Some of the microorganisms that cause hospital infections are found in the environment and some are part of our body.

Although they generate a lot of fear and have serious variants, infections can be prevented with simple preventive measures. Shall we understand more about the subject?

The most common types of hospital infections include those associated with a surgical wound or the insertion of medical devices, such as an intravenous drip, urinary catheter, or wound drain. Such a misfortune can occur because many sick people have their immune systems compromised, making them more susceptible to contracting an infection. In Brazil, the most common are respiratory infections, with pneumonia being the most common; urinary tract infection; skin infections, and blood infections.

In addition, there is also the risk of contamination by superbugs, which arise when antibiotics are administered improperly, which can cause a natural selection of the most resistant bacteria. In the Brazilian context, the incidence of superbugs is striking Acinetobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E.coli.

In order for the hospital body to avoid the incidence of these infections, there are a series of safety protocols to be followed for prevention. The most common are: washing hands with soap or using alcohol-based gel; using protective equipment, such as gloves, lab coats, masks, and eye protectors; separating infectious patients from others; disinfecting medical equipment between the use of one patient and another; in addition to maintaining a clean environment.

Despite these efforts, some patients are still at greater risk than others of contracting an infection while hospitalized. This can happen especially with people who have illnesses that affect their body's ability to fight infections such as cancer. However, the elderly, newborns; people with impaired immunity (AIDS patients or post-transplant patients, for example); diabetics; people with vascular diseases and patients who use invasive devices, such as urinary catheter insertion, venous catheter insertion and the use of ventilation by devices are also vulnerable to hospital infections.

To reinforce the safety of all patients, we, visitors, family members and friends of sick people can also do our part to prevent the onset of hospital infections. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom or before eating; do not visit if you have symptoms of any illness; avoid touching a wound or device inserted in the patient's body; inform the health professional who cares if the area surrounding any of the lines or tubes inserted in the patient's body becomes red, swollen, or painful; avoid talking too close to the patient to prevent infection by respiratory diseases and do not be afraid to ask a health professional if he cleaned his hands before doing any procedure.

The actions described above seem simple, but they have the power to make all the difference in the safe evolution of a medical treatment. Therefore, remaining vigilant about the environment and your own habits is the first step so that we can keep the hospital environment safe for patients, staff, and the people we love. Be aware, follow hygiene protocols and health professionals' guidelines!

Text by Letícia Barbosa