What do we call infections acquired after being admitted to a healthcare facility?

Infections acquired after being admitted to a healthcare facility are referred to as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These infections occur as a direct consequence of receiving medical care and can arise from various sources within healthcare environments, such as surgical sites, catheters, and ventilators. The importance of recognizing HAIs lies in their impact on patient safety, recovery, and overall healthcare costs, as they can complicate treatment and lead to longer hospital stays.

The other terms listed do not specifically denote infections acquired in this context. Pressure ulcers refer to injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, usually caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, and do not indicate an infection type. Infectious diseases encompass a broad range of illnesses caused by pathogens but do not specify the setting of acquisition. Respiratory ailments refer to conditions affecting the respiratory system and can be caused by various factors, not specifically linked to healthcare settings.