The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital-acquired infections and multi-drug resistant organisms, in comparison to seasonal influenza

In the COVID-19 era, HAIs and MDROs rates significantly declined, while CRE rates increased, possibly due to a national trend in Israel since 2016. Steady HHC rates suggest additional factors like enhanced environmental cleaning, personal protective equipment usage, and increased infection prevention awareness contributed to this decline. Influenza had no noticeable impact, likely due to healthcare workers' varying perceptions and the brevity of the influenza season, making it challenging to assess impact.