Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Analgesia team
HAI Medical Abbreviation
A hospital-acquired infection (HAI), also known as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), is an infection that develops in a patient while they are receiving care in a hospital or other healthcare facility. HAIs can occur in many areas of healthcare, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory settings.
Some common types of HAIs include:
-
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections
- Surgical site infections
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Clostridioides difficile infections
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
HAIs can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Invasive procedures, such as the insertion of catheters, IV cannulas, or respiratory equipment
- Surgery
- Non-intact skin, such as wounds, incisions, burns, or ulcers
- Inadequate hand hygiene practices by hospital staff and patients
Symptoms of HAIs include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Diarrhea
- Peeing more than usual
- Painful urination
- Change in mental state
To prevent HAIs, you can:
- Keep your hands clean
- Ask your healthcare providers about their infection control procedures
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
- Stay up to date on your flu shot and other recommended vaccinations