Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates: Latest Report and Prevention Guide

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) — infections that patients develop during their hospital stay that were not present at admission — remain a significant patient safety concern. Understanding current infection rates and prevention measures empowers patients to protect themselves and make informed hospital choices.

Current HAI Rates in U.S. Hospitals

According to the latest CDC and CMS data, hospital-acquired infections affect approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients on any given day. The most commonly tracked HAIs include:

• Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI): Infections from IV lines placed in large veins, with rates declining nationally due to improved insertion and maintenance protocols
• Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI): The most common HAI, linked to urinary catheters left in place longer than necessary
• Surgical site infections (SSI): Infections occurring at the site of surgery, tracked for common procedures like colon surgery, hysterectomy, and joint replacement
• MRSA bloodstream infections: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections that are difficult to treat with standard antibiotics
• C. difficile infections: Clostridioides difficile causing severe diarrhea and colitis, often associated with antibiotic use during hospitalization

How Hospitals Report Infection Data

Hospitals are required to report HAI data to the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). This data is then used by CMS in calculating hospital star ratings and by Leapfrog in determining safety grades. Each hospital's performance is compared to a national benchmark using the Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR).

Checking a Hospital's Infection Rates

Patients can review hospital-specific infection data through several channels:

• Medicare Care Compare — CMS-reported infection rates as part of the safety of care category
• Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade — infection measures incorporated into the overall safety grade
• State health department websites — many states publish additional infection surveillance data

Protecting Yourself from Hospital Infections

While hospitals bear primary responsibility for infection prevention, patients can take active steps:

• Speak up: Ask healthcare workers if they have washed their hands before touching you
• Understand your devices: Ask daily whether IVs and catheters are still necessary
• Keep wounds clean: Follow all wound care instructions after surgery
• Know the signs: Report any new redness, swelling, pain, or fever to your care team immediately
• Antibiotics stewardship: Use antibiotics only as prescribed to reduce C. diff risk

Data sourced from CMS and CDC. HAI data is updated regularly. Visit Medicare Care Compare for hospital-specific infection rates.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider about infection prevention.