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r <br /> 2. Some procedures that save lives may increase risk of infection. For <br /> example: <br /> • Catheterization (inserting a tube into the body to drain or <br /> deliver fluids) opens a pathway through which bacteria can <br /> enter. <br /> • Inhalation therapy uses moisture, which may encourage the <br /> growth of harmful bacteria. <br /> • Surgery requires cutting the skin—one of the body's most <br /> important defenses against infection. <br /> Antibiotics can increase the risk of infection. While antibiotics kill disease- <br /> causing bacteria, they may kill helpful bacteria as well. Without these <br /> helpful bacteria, the body may not be able to fight off infection. <br /> WHO can get infectionO ,anyone, but some people face a higber risk dm <br /> others. For example: <br /> a <br /> Certain patients have low resistance. <br /> • The elderly <br /> • Surgical patients <br /> • Seriously ill patients <br /> • Patients in poor physical or nutritional health <br /> • Long-term patients <br /> • People receiving certain kinds of drugs <br /> Certain health-care personnel are routinely exposed to infection. <br /> • Nurses who have direct contact with many patients <br /> • Workers in laundry, housekeeping and central supply who handle <br /> germ-laden linens, wastes, surgical supplies, etc. <br />