Hospital Infections: What Every Mom Should Watch Out For

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As a mom, you’re always on the lookout—whether it’s for your child’s health, your partner’s well-being, or your aging parent’s care. And when someone in your family ends up in a hospital or medical facility, the hope is that they’ll come out healthier than when they went in. But there’s something many don’t expect: the risk of getting sick while receiving treatment.

Hospital-acquired infections, often referred to as HAIs, are a serious but often overlooked risk. These are infections patients pick up during their stay in healthcare facilities—places like hospitals, rehab centers, dialysis clinics, or nursing homes. They aren’t present when the patient is admitted, but they can develop as a result of the environment, procedures, or equipment used.

Why Moms Should Care

The numbers are startling. Every single day, about 1 in every 31 hospitalized patients ends up with at least one HAI. That adds up to hundreds of thousands of cases every year—many of them completely preventable. What’s more, HAIs lead to more deaths annually than some of the most talked-about causes, including AIDS, breast cancer, and car accidents. And beyond the emotional toll, the financial impact is huge, costing the healthcare system up to $45 billion each year.

As moms, we already wear many hats—caregiver, advocate, protector. Understanding the risks of HAIs helps us add another layer of protection for our families, especially in vulnerable moments like surgeries, emergency treatments, or extended hospital stays.

The Four Most Common Infections

While HAIs come in many forms, there are four types that show up more often than others:

• Urinary tract infections linked to catheters (CAUTIs): These happen when germs travel through a urinary catheter and infect the urinary system, often from improper handling or keeping the catheter in for too long.

• Infections at surgical sites (SSIs): These occur post-surgery when bacteria enter the wound—either through surgical tools, airborne particles, or physical contact with the skin.

• Lung infections caused by ventilators (VAP): Patients using breathing machines can develop pneumonia if bacteria get into their lungs via the ventilation tube.

• Bloodstream infections from central lines (CLABSIs): These are caused when bacteria enter the bloodstream through a central IV line, usually because of improper hygiene or contaminated equipment.

Who’s Most At Risk?

While anyone in a hospital can be affected, some people are more at risk than others. Children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and patients who stay in the hospital for longer periods are all more likely to develop an HAI. Those with surgical wounds, burns, or medical devices like catheters or breathing tubes are particularly vulnerable.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Family Safer

You don’t need a medical degree to help protect your loved ones from HAIs. Being proactive and informed goes a long way. Here are some smart steps to take:

• Make handwashing a priority. Insist on clean hands—yours, your kids’, and even your healthcare providers’. Don’t be afraid to ask nurses or doctors to sanitize before examining your loved one.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off—like a fever, swelling, or redness—don’t wait. Bring it up immediately with the care team.

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Only use them when prescribed, and always follow the instructions. Misusing antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat.

• Stay current on immunizations. Vaccinations can prevent a wide range of illnesses that could complicate a hospital visit.

• Ask questions. Whether it’s about cleanliness, a medical device, or a procedure, speak up. Your confidence could prompt extra caution and better care.

Being a mom means being a fierce advocate. And when it comes to healthcare, your voice and vigilance can make a real difference. By staying informed and engaged, you can help make the medical journey safer—for your family and for others. To learn more, check out the infographic below from Evergreen Medical Services, a medical gas inspector & environmental monitoring company.