Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) do not follow a uniform trend. Their prevalence changes depending on location, climate, and time of year.
One principle, however, remains constant: prevention must be active every day, with no seasonal pauses.
1. HAIs in Italy: Higher Prevalence Than the European Average
The latest ECDC data show that these percentages indicate how many patients, out of every 100 hospitalized, present at least one infection acquired during their stay.
- EU average prevalence: 6.8%
- Italy: approximately 9.8%, among the highest in Europe
-
Greece: approximately 12.2%, with some hospitals reaching a maximum of 13.8%, the highest value recorded in the European sample
This difference highlights the need to strengthen:
- infection control strategies
- surveillance capacity
- management of clinical workload
2. Geographic Differences: Why Location Influences Risk
Variability between regions and countries is linked to factors such as:
- hospital infrastructure
- staffing levels
- quality of IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) measures
- tracking and surveillance capacity
To this, we must add the effect of climate: higher temperatures, common in Southern Europe, can promote microbial growth and increase the risk of certain HAIs—especially in humid environments and high-intensity care areas.
3. Seasonality: When Risk Changes
Different types of HAIs show predictable seasonal peaks.
Summer — Increase in Gram-Negative Infections
- accelerated microbial growth
- increased skin colonization
- rise in UTIs and bloodstream infections caused by E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter
Winter — Increase in Clostridioides difficile Infections
- greater use of antibiotics
- increased admissions and overcrowding
- more vulnerable patients
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)
In many regions of Northern Europe:
- higher incidence during summer months
- temperature and humidity impacting wound healing and bacterial survival
4. A Dynamic Approach to Variable Risks
The variable nature of HAIs requires hospital systems capable of:
- anticipating high-risk periods
- increasing vigilance during the most critical months
- maintaining strong preventive practices throughout the year
Patient safety depends on the ability to adapt to seasonal and geographic changes without compromise.
Prevention Must Be Constant — Not Seasonal
Even though the risk changes throughout the year, prevention must not.
It remains essential to ensure:
- consistent hand hygiene
- accurate environmental cleaning and disinfection
- appropriate antibiotic use
- continuous surveillance
- correct management of invasive devices
Some periods carry higher risk, but there is no season in which it is safe to lower the level of attention.
Sources:
- ECDC — Point Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections (2022–2023)
- ECDC Epidemiological Reports
- Letteratura scientifica europea su clima e stagionalità delle ICA
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