Skin is the Source of Deadly — Preventable — Infections

Did you know your own skin could be the source of deadly infections that could kill you? Currently, 271 people a day die on average from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).¹ Many people, possibly including you, aren't even aware of these deadly infections let alone how to prevent them. It all starts at their source — your skin.

The skin carries thousands of naturally-occurring bacteria that are typically harmless. However, when patients unknowingly carry these bacteria into a hospital or healthcare environment, they can become fatal.

If the skin is not properly cleaned to remove these microorganisms, they can enter the bloodstream. While not dangerous on the surface of the skin, once they enter the bloodstream through surgery or a skin-puncturing procedure such as an IV catheter, (skin/bacteria animation or photo) these bacteria can quickly become life-threatening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.7 million people per year acquire an HAI, which results in 99,000 deaths — the equivalent of one airline crash (or 271 people) each day.¹ To prevent these deadly infections, it is important to understand why "skin is the source" (link to Skin is the Source of Infections navigation page) and what steps you can take to reduce your risk (link to tips sheet) before surgery or a medical procedure.

Tips to avoid or reduce the risk of acquiring infection
Preventinfection.org

REFERENCE

¹ www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/hai.html Accessed October 10 2007