By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor

December traditionally brings holiday cheer every year, but along with that comes the dreaded flu season.  

According to the CDC, outpatient visits and hospitalizations for the flu have slightly increased in recent weeks. The agency reports that 3.1 percent of outpatient visits have included flu-like illnesses nationally. It is predicted that there have been 1.1 million flu cases, 11,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths just this season. 

Related Content: HAIs Are Worse Than You Thought

There are increased risks surrounding hospitalizations. According to the World Health Organization, healthcare associated infections (HAI) affect 7 percent of patients in high income countries. On any given day, one in 31 hospital patients has at least one HAI, the CDC reports. HAIs can easily spread through unclean hands or improper use or reuse of equipment between patients, providers, staff and visitors. These infections compromise patient safety and have a higher risk of imposing an economic burden on healthcare facilities. 

The CDC recommends that patients and caregivers regularly practice proper hand hygiene with soap and water or by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. All people – including healthcare staff – should clean their hands before touching a patient or handling medical devices.  

Healthcare facilities should do the following to further prevent HAIs, according to the CDC: 

• Follow infection prevention and control guidelines and trainings 
• Ask patients if they have traveled recently or received care in another facility 
• Inform patients on recommended vaccines 
• Alert facilities when transferring patients who are infected with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and ask colleagues to use an Inter-Facility Infection Control Transfer Form 
• Educate patients on ways to prevent the spread of infections and germs 
• Stay informed on current outbreaks 
• Maintain accurate records of treatments and outcomes 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.