How to spot infections from hospital negligence

Infections are one of many health issues that can arise from hospital negligence. You should be aware of the risks associated with hospital negligence to protect yourself and notice problems sooner. In Ohio, you could seek compensation for an infection you got because of medical malpractice.

Impacts of infections

There are around 1.7 million healthcare-acquired infections and 99,000 deaths from these infections each year in the US. Healthcare-acquired infections during surgery double the risk of death and increase the average hospital stay by 6.5 days. You are 60% more likely to need admission to the intensive care unit from the infection acquired during surgery. After discharge, you are still five times more likely to need admission again. The costs of this add up. You could have a medical malpractice case to recover the damages from requiring additional medical care.

Common healthcare-acquired infections

Twenty-two percent of healthcare-acquired infections are surgical site infections. Thirty-two percent of healthcare-acquired infections are urinary tract infections that may have come from catheters. Lung infections and bloodstream infections are two other common infections from negligence in the medical industry.

Warning signs of infections

When you know the symptoms of infections, you can catch them sooner to reduce their health impacts. Sometimes, a fever is the only early warning sign of an infection. Other symptoms include coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, burning when urinating, pain when urinating, increased urination, pain in the abdomen, pain in the rectum, diarrhea and vomiting. You may see redness or swelling around surgical wounds.

How to prevent healthcare-acquired infections

Healthcare workers should wash their hands with soap and water before and after tending to each patient. They could alternatively use an alcohol-based hand rub. When appropriate, healthcare workers must wear gloves, masks, hair covers and gowns. Before a nurse inserts a catheter, they should clean your skin around the area. They must also remove the catheter as soon as they are able to.

Most healthcare-acquired infections are preventable through healthcare workers following hygiene and safety practices. They must also stay attentive and act promptly. You should pay attention to what the staff does and keep a health journal to help catch medical negligence when it occurs.