Superbugs are floating in the air at hospitals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are infections which are caused by a wide variety of common and unusual bacteria, fungi, and viruses during the course of receiving medical care. Although medical advances have brought lifesaving care to patients who are in need, many of those advances come with a risk of HAI. These infections which are related to medical care can be devastating and even deadly. Therefore, adherence to infection prevention guidelines is necessary wherever patient care is provided to ensure that all care is as safe as possible.

The University of Leeds has reported in a press release on October 11, 2012: "Superbugs ride air currents around hospital wards." According to University of Leeds researchers, hospital superbugs can float on air currents and contaminate surfaces which are far from infected patients’ beds. It has already been recognized that hospital superbugs, such as MRSA and C-difficile, can be spread through contact. The results of the study may explain why, despite strict cleaning regimes and hygiene controls, some hospitals still struggle to prevent bacteria from moving from patient to patient.

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http://www.examiner.com/article/superbugs-are-floating-the-air-at-hospitals