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Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) & Types
Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) & Types

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while receiving treatment for a separate condition in a healthcare facility. They are also known as “nosocomial infections”. It has been observed that over 1.4 million patients suffer from healthcare associated infections (HAIs) globally at any time.

HAIs can be associated with procedures (surgery) and the devices used in medical procedures (catheters or ventilators).

As per the study titled “Multistate Point-Prevalence Survey of Health Care–Associated Infections”, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, among the pathogens causing HAIs, Clostridium difficile (12.1%) is the leading pathogen followed by Staphylococcus aureus (10.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.9%), and Escherichia coli (9.3%).

Most HAIs are preventable and can be avoided with diligent infection prevention efforts.

HAIs can happen in all types of healthcare settings including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, Dialysis facilities, healthcare clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Who’s At Risk?
Transmission of pathogen in healthcare facility can occur through direct contact with the healthcare worker or the contaminated surrounding. Young children, elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of getting infected.

Other common risk factors include:

  • Long stay in hospitals
  • Use of indwelling urinary catheters
  • Unhygienic conditions by healthcare workers, visitors or patients
  • Overuse of antibiotics

Common types of HAIs based on the procedures or devices used in healthcare facilities are:

– Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI): A central venous catheter (central line), is placed into a major vein near the heart to give medicines and take blood. This type of infection occurs when germs enter the bloodstream through the central line.

– Surgical site infection (SSI): It occurs in the part of the body where surgery took place. SSIs may be superficial infections involving the skin only, or more serious infections involving deeper tissues around the surgery location such as skin, organs, or implanted material. Symptoms for SSI include fever, redness and pain at the site of surgery, and drainage of cloudy fluid from the site of incision. The causative agents usually include Staphylococcus aureus and sometimes Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

– Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI): These are the most common types of HAIs. A catheter is a tube which is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine from the body into the collection bag. It has been documented by CDC that 75% of UTIs are associated with urinary catheters. The catheters should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed in order to prevent CAUTI. Causative organisms can be Pseudomonasspecies and Proteus species.

– Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): A ventilator is a machine that helps patients breathe. A tube is placed in a patient’s mouth or nose, or through a hole in the neck in order to provide oxygen to the lungs. Lung infection or Ventilator-associated Pneumonia occurs if the germ enters the patient’s lungs through this tube.

Ways to prevent HAIs
We can help patients stay healthy and safe from HAIs by practicing some of these steps:-

  1. Healthcare providers and visitors must clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. It is important to keep hands clean before and after caring for a patient to avoid the spread of infection.
  2. It is advisable to use catheter only when it is required and removed as soon as possible to prevent UTIs.
  3. Healthcare workers must wear masks, hand gloves, gown and appropriately cover hair.
  4. It is always important to recognize the signs and symptoms like redness, pain or drainage at the site of incision, followed by fever. Always seek guidance from the healthcare provider to eliminate HAIs.
  5. Antibiotics must be used carefully and must be taken only when required.
  6. Annual flu vaccine shots are recommended to avoid complications later.

It has been observed that Healthcare-associated infections are often avoidable and can be prevented by keeping oneself abreast with the latest findings regarding spread of infection. Patient, family members, visitors and health care workers all play important role in keeping the patient safe.

You may follow us @dattmediproducts or visit www.dattmedi.com for more health-related information.

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Velfour® is a revolutionary 4-layer compression bandaging system designed to manage venous leg ulcers and associated conditions. With a sub-bandage pressure of 35-40 mm Hg at the ankle, this high-compression system incorporates elastic layers to achieve sustained compression and promote healing.

Velfour® consists of four essential components that work together synergistically to deliver effective compression and support:

1. Velfour®#1 (Orthopaedic wool):

This layer serves as the primary absorbent material, effectively managing exudate while redistributing pressure evenly around the limb.

2. Velfour® #2 (Cotton crepe bandage):

Designed to enhance absorbency, the cotton crepe bandage smooths out the Orthopaedic Wool layer, ensuring optimal comfort and performance.

3. Velfour®#3 (Elastic Compression Bandage):

The first layer of elastic compression sub-bandage, exerting a pressure of approximately 17 mm Hg at the ankle. This layer provides the initial compression necessary for effective treatment.

4. Velfour® #4 (Cohesive Bandage):

The second layer of compression, adding the remaining 23 mm Hg of pressure while ensuring the bandage remains securely in place. The cohesive properties of this bandage contribute to its stability and adherence.

Velfour® offers a range of features and benefits that make it an exceptional choice for venous leg ulcer management:

1. Effective compression:

With a pressure of approximately 40 mm Hg at the ankle, it delivers the necessary compression to promote healing, gradually reducing to 17 mm Hg at the knee. This graduated compression approach ensures optimal therapeutic results.

2. Graduated compression:

The bandage provides high compression at the ankle and gradually decreases the pressure at the calf.

3. Sustained compression:

It maintains a consistent level of compression for up to a full week, allowing for uninterrupted therapy and reducing the frequency of bandage changes. The treatment process is made simpler by this feature, which also increases patient compliance.

The leading option for treating venous leg ulcers, Velfour® also has additional advantages for a number of other ailments, such as:

1. Treatment of Venous Ulcers:

It improves results by hastening the healing process and facilitating the closure of venous leg ulcers.

2. Prevention of Ulcer Recurrence:

In cases where traditional compression stockings are not tolerated, It provides an effective alternative for preventing the recurrence of venous ulcers.

3. Symptomatic Relief of Superficial Thrombophlebitis:

The compression offered by Velfour®alleviates pain and inflammation associated with superficial thrombophlebitis, providing much-needed comfort to patients.

4. Traumatic Wounds with Local Edema:

It aids in reducing edema and promoting the healing of traumatic wounds, helping to restore the affected area to its optimal state.

5. Venous/Lymphatic Disorders:

It is suitable for managing various venous and lymphatic disorders by providing effective compression and support.

To ensure the optimal application and use of Velfour®, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

1. Limb Assessment:

Accurate measurement of the ankle circumference is crucial to determine the appropriate combination of bandages needed. Any changes in limb contour should also be noted for reference.

2. Wound Assessment:

Mapping the ulcer provides a baseline to track progress throughout the treatment. Regular wound assessment enables healthcare professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of Velfour® and make necessary adjustments.

3. Pain Assessment:

This plays a crucial role in managing venous leg ulcers. Compression therapy with it can alleviate pain, although a slight increase may occur initially.

Velfour® stands as a game-changing solution for managing venous leg ulcers. Its innovative 4-layer compression bandage system, combined with its effective pressure distribution and sustained compression, offers unparalleled benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

We are committed to providing valuable information and insights to support your journey towards improved wound healing and patient well-being.

Allergies are a common health issue that affect a significant portion of the population worldwide. Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, which is known as an allergen. The allergen can be any substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the body, such as pollen, dust, food, or animal dander.

Allergies are caused due to the abnormal response of the immune system, which mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful invader and initiates a defence mechanism, called antibodies, to protect the body from it. This results in various allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

There are various reasons behind the occurrence of allergies. Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s likelihood of developing allergies. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, chemicals, and toxins can also trigger allergies.

There are several different types of allergies, each with their unique symptoms and triggers.

Some of the most common types of allergies include:

1. Respiratory allergies:

These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. The symptoms of respiratory allergies include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.

2. Food allergies:

These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain foods, such as nuts, shellfish, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild itching, tingling in the mouth, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat to more severe life-threatening anaphylaxis.

3. Skin allergies:

These allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as certain fabrics, metals, or cosmetics. The symptoms of skin allergies include rashes, itching, and swelling.

4. Insect allergies:

These allergies occur when an individual is bitten or stung by an insect, such as bees or mosquitoes. The symptoms of insect allergies can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.

5. Medicine allergies:

Medicine allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain medications. They can cause symptoms like skin rashes, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. It is important to communicate medicine allergies to healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Precautionary methods can be taken to manage allergies. Firstly, it is crucial to identify the allergen that triggers the allergic reaction. This can be done through various tests such as skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is identified, it is essential to avoid exposure to it. For example, individuals with food allergies must avoid eating the allergen-containing food.

Similarly, those with respiratory allergies must avoid exposure to airborne allergens, such as pollen or animal dander. If a person has a known severe allergy then they can also wear a medical alert bracelet, which lets others know that you have a serious allergy incase they are unable to communicate it.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can be used to manage allergy symptoms. In severe cases, epinephrine injections may be required to manage anaphylaxis.

In addition to medication, several lifestyle changes can also help manage allergies. One of the most important being to try to reduce stress levels. While stress can’t trigger an allergic reaction it can make it worse if you are having one. When in stress your body releases hormones including histamine, which is a powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms thus making the reaction worse.

Allergies can significantly impact the lives of those who suffer from them. However, with proper management, it is possible to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. If you suspect that you have an allergy, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis.

We advice to follow precautionary methods and working with a healthcare professional, that can help you manage allergies and improve your quality of life. Follow us for more such information.

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