July 2nd – Hospital Day

Updated on 07/02/2020

Today, July 2nd, is Hospital Day. We interviewed Dr. Mirela Yunes , Medical Manager at União Química, who gave us an overview of the importance of Hospital Infection Control and the precautions we need to take to avoid contamination.

[UQ] What is hospital infection?
[Dr. Mirela Yunes] Hospital Infection is an infection acquired after the patient is hospitalized, which manifests itself during hospitalization or even after discharge, when it can be related to the hospitalization or hospital procedures.

[UQ] Why does hospital infection occur?
[Dr. Mirela Yunes] Incomplete hand hygiene is the main factor, but the causes are diverse. There are many factors involved, for example, predisposing factors of the patient himself, such as obesity, diabetes, and kidney failure, which weaken the immune system. Invasive medical procedures, such as insertion of catheters, probes, and drains, which break the patient's natural protective barrier, can be a gateway for infectious agents.

[UQ] What is the difference between the bacteria that we can catch in public places, such as on buses and subways, and the microorganisms that cause hospital infections?
[Drª Mirela Yunes] O que causa uma infecção são bactérias, fungos e vírus. O que causa a infecção hospitalar geralmente são as mesmas bactérias, que encontraram um indivíduo com suas defesas enfraquecidas, e que se tornaram resistentes aos antibióticos comumente utilizados. Por isso os pacientes não respondem ao tratamento inicial, necessitando, na maioria das vezes, de associação de antibióticos. 

[UQ] In hospitals, only people who are weakened and weakened are infected with aggressive germs and it is difficult to treat them because they are resistant to the action of antibiotics. How can we explain that doctors and nurses do not become infected with these resistant bacteria?
[Dr. Mirela Yunes] In general, it is the most weakened people who become infected, but not always. It can happen that a healthy person is hospitalized for a simple procedure and catches a hospital infection. Doctors and nurses may have contact with microorganisms, hence the need for frequent hygiene of hands and devices, such as the stethoscope and, in certain places, such as the operating room, ICUs, nurseries, the use of clothing exclusive to the hospital environment.

[UQ] What are the main precautions that healthcare professionals need to take to avoid patient infections?
[Dr. Mirela Yunes] Hygiene, hygiene and hygiene! Hand hygiene with alcohol gel when entering and leaving the patient's room, use of a mask depending on the patient's situation (e.g.: treatment with immunosuppressants), disinfection of stethoscopes from one patient to another would be the main measures.

[UQ] Hand washing is important for everyone, especially in times of Coronavirus. How should hands be washed?
[Dr. Mirela Yunes] Hands should be washed with running water and soap, scrubbing the palms and backs of the hands, thumbs, between the fingers, nails and even the wrists. To wash your hands correctly, the time would be around 20 seconds, which is not a long time considering the protection that this simple act offers.

[UQ] What precautions do family members and visitors of hospitalized patients need to take to avoid bringing in bacteria and microorganisms that could cause infections?
[Dr. Mirela Yunes] Whenever you go to a hospital to visit a patient, some rules, not just hygiene, must be followed:

• The visit should be as brief as possible.
• Avoid using strong perfumes to avoid making the patient nauseous.
• Sanitize your hands with alcohol gel or wash your hands before entering the patient's room.
• Avoid touching, kissing and hugging the patient.
• Avoid bringing flowers, many hospitals do not allow flowers to remain in the room.
• The family member accompanying the patient should never use the same glass or cutlery.

Source:Ministry of Health | Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH)