What is one major consequence of not practicing infection control measures?

Not practicing infection control measures leads to higher rates of infection spread, which is a significant public health concern. When proper protocols are not followed, infections can easily be transmitted from one patient to another, or from healthcare workers to patients, creating outbreaks within healthcare facilities. This not only affects the health of individuals but can also result in serious consequences for healthcare systems, including increased hospitals’ length of stay, heightened use of resources, and more intensive treatment requirements as infections become more difficult to manage. In addition, higher infection rates can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, further stressing healthcare resources. Understanding this consequence emphasizes the critical importance of strict adherence to infection control protocols to safeguard patients, staff, and the broader community.