What are healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

What are healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections you can get at a healthcare facility while you're being treated for other diseases or conditions. These infections can cause serious illness or death. They are a growing threat to patient safety in the United States and worldwide.

HAIs cause thousands of deaths a year and cost the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars annually.

HAIs are often associated with surgical or medical procedures where devices such as catheters or ventilators are used. On any given day in the United States, 1 in 25 patients is affected by an HAI.

Yet most HAIs can be prevented. Patients and their families should work with healthcare providers to make sure they stay safe.