Is it possible to check into the hospital and become sicker? Absolutely.
Let’s say you’re suffering from a chronic condition, such as multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or any of the many autoimmune diseases. You check into the hospital because, well, you’re in need of medical attention.
Perhaps you’ve suffered an exacerbation and need acute care. Your immune system is already weakened, and you’re susceptible to viruses or infections. And what is plentiful at hospitals? Sick people, with — you guessed it — viruses and infections.
Approximately 1.7 million healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. One in 25 people in the U.S. get HAIs in hospitals each year; and nearly 75,000 people die each year with these infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus(MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), surgical site infections (SSI), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) are the common HAIs that occur in hospital settings.
That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness for these invisible villains and the ways that healthcare providers, patients and their family members can help cut down on HAIs through proactive, preventative measures.
Since 1986, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has led the charge to underscore the importance of preventing infections.
Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, APIC spearheads the annual week-long effort to highlight the importance of infection prevention among healthcare professionals, administrators, legislators, and consumers.
This years, International Infection Prevention Week is October 15-21, and the theme is antibiotic resistance. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share messages about antibiotic resistance and IIPW in your newsletters and via social media. (Sample posts and article copy is located in the promotional toolkit.)
- Participate in the Twitter Chat (#IIPWChat) on Tuesday, October 17 at 2 pm ET. Please let us know you’re participating and we’ll send you the questions!
- Join our Thunderclap campaign before 12 Noon ET on October 18.
- Download our infographic posters and logos and web buttons.
- Download, print, and share the our new games and activity pages.
- Shop logo merchandise (Merchandise with dates and new merchandise will be updated by the end of the summer).
- Follow APIC on Twitter and Facebook.
