Reducing Infection Risks

An infection occurs when a germ (bacterium or virus) enters the body and attacks or causes damage to the whole body or part of it. Some infections can reach the blood stream and become generalised throughout the body. This is known as a bacteraemia or bloodstream infection.Healthcare associated infections (HCAI) are infections that develop as a direct result of medical or surgical treatment or contact in a healthcare setting. They can occur in hospitals, health or social care settings in the community and can affect both patients and healthcare workers.