Every healthcare-associated infection is not just a clinical event.
It is a delayed recovery, a longer hospital stay, an avoidable risk that becomes real.
The most common Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) affect vulnerable patients every day, increase pressure on healthcare units, and generate concrete consequences: more complications, higher costs, increased antibiotic use, and higher mortality.
Their occurrence is neither rare nor theoretical. It is a daily reality that makes HAI prevention an absolute priority for the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and the healthcare system as a whole.
Why Prevention Remains a Daily Priority
Every day, millions of people enter hospitals expecting care and recovery — not new infections.
Yet, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), approximately 5–10% of hospitalized patients in high-income countries acquire at least one HAI during their stay. In European acute care settings, this corresponds to about one patient out of 18.
HAIs are infections that develop during the course of care in a healthcare facility and were neither present nor incubating at the time of admission. They can affect both patients and healthcare workers, particularly in high-intensity care settings.
According to the WHO, a significant proportion of HAIs is preventable through effective Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices, including:
- hand hygiene,
- appropriate use of invasive devices,
- consistent adherence to procedures.
Understanding which HAIs are most common — and the consequences they generate — is the first step toward effective prevention.
The Most Common HAIs — And Why They Are So Critical
1. Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs)
How they occur
Prolonged or unnecessary use of urinary catheters facilitates the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract.
Consequences
- pain and discomfort for the patient,
- recurrent infections,
- increased risk of sepsis,
- prolonged hospital stays and additional antibiotic treatments.
Prevention
- appropriate use of catheters,
- aseptic insertion and management,
- early removal when no longer necessary.
2. Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)
How they occur
Microorganisms can enter the body through the surgical incision before, during, or after the procedure.
Consequences
- delayed wound healing,
- post-operative complications,
- longer hospital stays,
- potential reoperations and patient isolation.
Prevention
- proper preparation of the surgical field,
- strict hand hygiene,
- appropriate post-operative care.
3. Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs)
How they occur
Pathogens enter directly into the bloodstream through central venous catheters.
Consequences
- high mortality rates, especially in critically ill patients,
- rapid clinical deterioration,
- significant increases in healthcare costs.
Prevention
- standardized insertion techniques,
- proper catheter maintenance,
- timely removal whenever possible.
4. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
How it occurs
In ventilated patients, microorganisms can reach the lungs through artificial airways.
Consequences
- severe respiratory infections,
- increased mortality,
- prolonged ventilation and intensive care stays.
Prevention
- elevation of the head of the bed,
- regular oral hygiene,
- daily assessment of the need for ventilation.
5. Clostridioides difficile Infections (C. diff)
How they occur
Often linked to prolonged or inappropriate antibiotic use that disrupts the gut microbiota.
Consequences
- severe diarrhea and colitis,
- dehydration,
- frequent recurrences,
- patient isolation and risk of spread within the unit.
Prevention
- hand hygiene with soap and water,
- contact precautions,
- responsible antibiotic use (antimicrobial stewardship).
Why We Must Prevent Them
The most common HAIs share critical characteristics:
- they worsen clinical outcomes,
- prolong hospital stays,
- increase healthcare costs,
- contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR),
- add to the workload and pressure on healthcare professionals.
Despite growing awareness, HAIs continue to occur due to systemic factors such as:
- staff shortages and high workloads,
- interruptions in clinical workflows,
- difficulties in maintaining consistent IPC practices over time,
- lack of timely feedback and supportive tools.
HAI prevention therefore cannot be episodic or checklist-driven alone. It must be continuous, structured, and supported by systems that help people do the right thing — every day.
Preventing HAIs Means Protecting Real People
Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections is not just about following guidelines.
It means avoiding real harm to real people, every single day: patients who want to heal, healthcare workers who want to work safely, and healthcare systems that must remain sustainable.
Hand hygiene and preventive practices remain among the most effective measures — and at the same time among the most vulnerable to operational pressure.
Supporting the continuity of IPC practices means strengthening safety across the entire care pathway.
Because in healthcare, every action matters.
And prevention is never a detail.
Ready to build a stronger hygiene culture in your hospital? Contact us for more information or to request a consultation.