10/31/25 Public Health Education Topic: Healthcare Associated Infection

Per CDC:

Key points

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while or soon after receiving health care.

• HAIs are a serious threat to healthcare safety.

• Preventing HAIs is a top priority for CDC and its partners in public health and health care.

Causes

Germs that cause HAIs can spread through unclean hands or improper use or reuse of equipment between patients, providers, staff and visitors. Healthcare procedures can also expose you to germs that cause HAIs.

Examples of HAIs

HAIs can be caused by many different germs and include:

• Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)

• Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

• Surgical site infections (SSI)

• Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Recommendations

Patients and caregivers

• Wash their hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Remind people (including healthcare staff) to clean their hands before touching the patient or handling medical devices.

  Also Read: Tips for Being a Safe Patient

Healthcare providers

Healthcare providers should always follow core infection control practices to reduce the risk of spreading these germs to patients.

To learn more, please visit: About HAIs | HAIs | CDC