Acquired infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are infections that develop in individuals while they receive medical treatment in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or clinic. These infections can range in severity from mild to life-threatening, and they can affect any patient, regardless of their age, underlying health conditions, or reason for hospitalization.

Preventing acquired infections is a top priority for healthcare facilities, as they can compromise patient safety and lead to additional morbidity and mortality. To ensure patient safety, healthcare facilities must implement and adhere to strict infection control measures, which include:

**1. Hand Hygiene:** Hand hygiene is the most important measure for preventing the spread of infection and is recommended as the mainstay of infection control. It involves frequently washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs.

**2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** PPE, such as gowns, gloves, masks, and eyewear, is used to create a barrier between healthcare workers and patients to reduce the risk of transmitting infections.

**3. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection:** Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and high-touch areas can help prevent the spread of infection by eliminating pathogens from the environment.

**4. Isolation Precautions:** Isolation precautions are implemented to prevent the spread of infections from patients who are known or suspected to have a contagious disease. These precautions involve placing the patient in a private room or cohorting them with other patients who have the same infection.

**5. Surveillance:** Healthcare facilities monitor for infections through surveillance systems that track and identify patterns of infection rates. This allows them to quickly identify and respond to potential outbreaks.

**6. Antibiotic Stewardship:** Antibiotic stewardship programs are designed to optimize the use of antibiotics and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. This involves using antibiotics only when necessary and choosing the most appropriate antibiotic for each infection.

**7. Education and Training:** Healthcare workers are educated and trained on infection control measures to ensure that they understand and follow best practices for preventing the spread of infection.

**8. Patient Education:** Patients and their families are also educated about infection control measures and their role in preventing the spread of infection.

By implementing and adhering to these measures, healthcare facilities can create a safe environment for their patients, reducing the risk of acquired infections and ensuring their well-being.