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At one time or another, everyone spends time in a hospital. Whether you are visiting a relative or undergoing treatment yourself, you should feel safe, comfortable, and well-cared for during your stay.

However, we have all heard stories of poor conditions at hospitals across the States. According to the World Health Organization, 7 out of 100 hospitalized patients in developed countries will pick up a minimum of one health care-associated infection (HAI).

Furthermore, in countries with a high-income, around 30 percent of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) tend to suffer from at least one HAI. Good hygiene is crucial, but budget cuts, lack of staff, and poor resources can all contribute to lax hygiene.

Here are five risks posed by unhygienic hospitals.

Catching the Norovirus

Patients may believe the norovirus’s gastroenteritis is little more than the common flu, as it leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and a general urge to visit the toilet. These symptoms are known to last for days, but they are unable to be treated with antibiotics.

Any patients catching this should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, and eat as they would normally.

Contracting MRSA

Most of us have heard of MRSA. Unfortunately, this particular form of staph bacteria has evolved an immunity to many of today’s most common drugs, such as amoxicillin and penicillin. This will show itself as a skin infection, and treatment should begin as soon as symptoms appear.

The Everyday Risk of Influenza

Influenza still poses a danger to people with a weak immune system, as well as people in generally good health. Unfortunately, influenza is simple to contract, and thousands of Americans are treated for it every single year. In a hospital with crowded wards, influenza can spread far too easily.

Encountering the Klebsiella Bacteria

The Klebsiella bacteria tends to affect patients via contact with treatment areas and medical equipment, and can lead to some nasty infections. For one, the bloodstream may become infected, as can open wounds. Pneumonia is another potential fallout.

While physicians may be able to treat this with relative ease, Klebsiella can have serious effects on a patient’s health.

Contracting Mycobacterium Abscessus

Mycobacterium abscessus is at the root of such conditions as TB and leprosy. This has been found in such diverse materials as dust, water, soil, and medical equipment. While skin infections are a common result of contracting this bacteria, lung infections are also a potential risk.

To avoid any of these risks, hospitals must invest money and time into maintaining outstanding hygiene. Not only is effective training for all staff crucial, buying the best cleaning equipment on the market is also a must.

Microfiber mops and microfiber cloths are essential in today’s hospitals. As microfiber is finer than even a single human hair, it has the power to pick up more dust and dirt particles than standard cotton cleaning-materials. It can also absorb seven or eight times its own weight in water, allowing staff to clean without leaving slippery floors in their wake.

Want to learn more about microfiber cloths and mops? Get in touch!