Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Analgesia team
HAI Healthcare-Associated Infection
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. They are the opposite of community-acquired infections.
Some common types of HAIs include:
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients develop while receiving medical care in hospitals, clinics, or nursing facilities. They can arise from invasive procedures, prolonged hospital stays, or exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Some of the most common HAIs include:
1. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
These occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through a urinary catheter — a tube inserted to drain urine. Long-term catheter use increases the risk, especially in elderly or immobile patients. Symptoms may include fever, pain, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
2. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)
A central line is a tube placed into a large vein to give medication or fluids. If bacteria enter the line, they can spread directly into the bloodstream, leading to serious or life-threatening infection. Strict sterile technique is essential to prevent CLABSIs.
3. Surgical site infections (SSIs)
These infections develop at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of an operation. They may affect only the skin or extend deeper into muscles or organs. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, or drainage of pus from the wound.
4. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
VAP occurs in patients who are on mechanical ventilation. The breathing tube can allow bacteria to enter the lungs, leading to pneumonia. Preventive measures include maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping the patient’s head elevated.
5. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
This lung infection develops 48 hours or more after hospital admission and is not linked to a ventilator. Older adults, patients with weakened immune systems, or those with chronic lung disease are at higher risk.
6. Clostridioides difficile infections (C. diff)
C. diff is a bacterium that can overgrow in the gut after antibiotic use, leading to severe diarrhoea and colitis (colon inflammation). It spreads easily through contaminated surfaces or hands, making hygiene critical in hospitals.
7. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a type of Staph bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics. It can cause infections of the skin, wounds, lungs, or bloodstream. Because it spreads by contact, healthcare workers follow strict cleaning and handwashing protocols to prevent transmission.
The most common examples of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are:
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) develop while a person is receiving medical care in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting. They can occur after surgery, while using medical devices, or as a result of exposure to resistant bacteria in the environment.
The most common examples include:
1. Surgical site infections (SSIs)
These infections occur at or around the incision site following surgery. They may involve only the skin or spread to deeper tissues, organs, or implanted material. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, or pus at the wound site. Good surgical hygiene and sterile technique are essential to prevent SSIs.
2. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Hospital-acquired UTIs often occur in patients who have a urinary catheter inserted to drain urine. Bacteria can enter the bladder through the catheter, leading to infection. Signs include fever, pain or burning when urinating, and cloudy urine. Prompt catheter removal and proper hygiene help lower risk.
3. Bloodstream infections (BSIs)
These infections happen when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream — often through intravenous lines, catheters, or surgical wounds. They can cause serious conditions such as sepsis, which is a life-threatening immune response to infection. Preventing BSIs relies on strict infection control when inserting and maintaining IV lines.
4. Respiratory tract infections
These affect the lungs and airways, with pneumonia being the most common form in hospitals. Patients on ventilators or those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Maintaining clean equipment, hand hygiene, and proper ventilation care are key preventive steps.
Symptoms of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
The symptoms of a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) depend on the type and site of infection, but most involve signs of inflammation or systemic illness. Some appear soon after a procedure or hospital stay, while others develop gradually.
Common symptoms include:
• Fever and chills – Often the first sign of infection. A rising temperature can indicate your body is fighting off bacteria or other pathogens introduced during care or recovery.
• Shortness of breath and cough – May suggest a respiratory infection such as hospital-acquired pneumonia or ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• Abdominal pain – Can occur with infections in the gastrointestinal tract, such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which may also cause bloating and tenderness.
• Heart palpitations – A rapid or irregular heartbeat can appear in severe infections, especially if the infection has entered the bloodstream (sepsis).
• Diarrhoea – Common with intestinal infections or as a side effect of antibiotics that disrupt normal gut bacteria. Persistent diarrhoea should always be checked by a doctor.
• Peeing more than usual or painful urination – Typical of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially those linked to catheter use. Urine may also appear cloudy or have an unusual smell.
Depending on the infection, patients may also experience fatigue, confusion, nausea, or local redness and swelling around a wound or catheter site. Any new or worsening symptoms during or after hospital care should be reported promptly to a healthcare professional.
How to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
Although hospitals and clinics follow strict hygiene standards, patients can also take steps to reduce their own risk of infection. Simple actions — and knowing what to look out for — can make a big difference.
• Keep your hands clean
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, or after touching medical devices like catheters or dressings. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Ask about infection control procedures
Don’t hesitate to speak up. Ask your doctor, nurse, or caregiver whether they’ve washed their hands or if the equipment being used is sterile. Good healthcare professionals welcome these questions — they show you’re taking your health seriously.
• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
Antibiotic misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat. Always complete your full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better, and never share or reuse leftover medication.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations
Vaccines, including the flu shot, COVID-19 boosters, and pneumococcal vaccines, can reduce your risk of respiratory infections that may complicate a hospital stay. Keeping your immunisations current helps protect you and those around you.