Hospitals, in the winter season, observe increasing number of patients. Even though, while staying in the hospital to get better, it is possible to get an infection. During the hospital visit, you may be at risk for getting a fungal infection because as per doctors the infections can affect anyone as these are caused by fungi that are commonly found in our natural environment and they are so common that it is almost impossible to create a 100 per cent uncontaminated space, even in hospitals.
“Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are contracted by people with low immunity. These infections manifest aggressively and may travel through the blood stream to various parts of the body,” Dr Ravikant Porwal, consultant Infectious Diseases at Manipal Hospital said.
“Invasive fungal infections cases have high risks of mortality and morbidly, and are also costly to treat,” he added.
Most IFIs are diagnosed in hospitals, although they could be community acquired. Community acquired infections from soil or environmental pathogens tend to eventually flare up and manifest in hospitals when patients under go other treatments and their immunity is low.
As per doctors, people with compromised immunity are vulnerable to a host of diseases and infections, including IFI. A number of IFIs can occur in hospital settings.
“Invasive mould infections like aspergillus, mucor and fusarium, etc. may manifest in post-transplant and immuno-suppressed patients. Severe cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated his to plasma could occur in HIV patients. Antibiotic abuse, consumption of steroids and other factors also contribute in lowering immunity, thereby increasing probability of IFIs. Prolonged ICU stays, parenteral nutrition, indwelling catheters, implants and poor sanitation in communities and hospitals are some additional factors that increase the chances of contracting IFIs,” said Dr Porwal.
To prevent such infections, hospitals take various measures for infection control, like avoiding prolonged indwelling catheters, antibiotic stewardship, adhering to antibiotic guidelines, and conducting regular surveillances. Prompt and appropriate care is required to save patients from invasive fungal infections. Following hospital rules is helpful in warding off infections. Visitors should not bring flowers for patients as they often harbour fungal spores.
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