How to Protect Yourself Against Rising Hospital-Acquired Infections and Antibiotic Resistance

A recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health has revealed a concerning increase in both hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance within healthcare facilities across the United States. The data, collected from 120 hospitals between January 2018 and December 2022, provides insight into the growing challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers. Dr. Nasia Safdar, a respected professor of infectious medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, sheds light on the reasons behind this alarming trend and offers valuable advice on how individuals can protect themselves while hospitalized or visiting loved ones.

Dr. Safdar explains that health care-associated infections are those that arise as a result of exposure to the healthcare system. Patients admitted to hospitals are often in fragile health conditions, making them more susceptible to acquiring harmful bacteria that can lead to infections during their stay or shortly after discharge. The hospital environment, with its unique profile of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and germs, poses a significant risk to patients, especially those with compromised immune systems. Factors such as heavy antibiotic usage, medical procedures, and the presence of invasive devices further increase the likelihood of infection transmission within healthcare settings.

The concept of antibiotic resistance signifies a troubling development in the realm of healthcare. Dr. Safdar notes that when bacteria become resistant to commonly used antibiotics, healthcare professionals are forced to resort to broader spectrum antibiotics. While these medications may still be effective against infections, they often come with more side effects and can harm the beneficial bacteria residing in the intestines. This phenomenon underscores the urgent need for strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and protect patients from the devastating consequences of drug-resistant infections.

To mitigate the spread of infections and address the challenge of antibiotic resistance, healthcare facilities must prioritize infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship. Dr. Safdar emphasizes the importance of practices such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and judicious antibiotic prescribing to safeguard patient health. By implementing stringent infection control measures and limiting unnecessary antibiotic use, hospitals and clinics can significantly reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections and prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant setback in the fight against healthcare-associated infections. Dr. Safdar highlights the unsettling reversal of progress in reducing rates of antibiotic-resistant infections due to the widespread use of antibiotics during the pandemic. This resurgence of resistant bacteria serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of previous achievements in infection control and underscores the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding patient safety in healthcare settings.

One particularly concerning pathogen discussed by Dr. Safdar is Candida auris, an aggressive fungus that has caused outbreaks of severe bloodstream infections in vulnerable patients. Unlike other antibiotic-resistant germs, Candida auris spreads rapidly within healthcare systems and poses a formidable challenge to treatment due to limited therapeutic options. The sharp increase in Candida auris infections during the pandemic highlights the urgent need for enhanced infection control measures and innovative approaches to combatting this resilient pathogen.

Dr. Safdar points out the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome in warding off infections, as many harmful germs reside in the intestine. By adopting a high-fiber diet and supporting beneficial gut bacteria, individuals can bolster their immune defenses and reduce the risk of infection transmission. Dietary choices play a critical role in shaping the gut microbiome and enhancing overall health, underscoring the value of proactive measures to protect against infectious diseases.

Dr. Safdar offers valuable advice for patients and their families to reduce the likelihood of acquiring infections in healthcare settings. Simple yet effective practices such as hand hygiene, regular use of hand sanitizer, and active engagement with healthcare providers can significantly lower the risk of infection transmission. By staying informed about infection rates, questioning treatment regimens, and advocating for their own well-being, patients can play a proactive role in safeguarding their health during hospitalization or medical care.

The escalating rates of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance underscore the critical need for comprehensive infection control strategies and collaborative efforts to protect patient safety in healthcare settings. By prioritizing preventive measures, promoting antimicrobial stewardship, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health, we can collectively combat the growing threat of healthcare-associated infections and safeguard the well-being of patients worldwide.