What are the Common Sources of Infection in Hospitals?
Hospitals are high-risk environments for the transmission of nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Common sources include: - Patients: Infected patients can be a direct source of pathogens. - Healthcare Workers: Medical staff can inadvertently transfer pathogens between patients. - Medical Equipment: Contaminated instruments and devices can facilitate the spread of infections. - Hospital Surfaces: Surfaces such as bed rails, doorknobs, and medical charts can harbor infectious agents.