Background. Hospital-acquired infections are/is a major problem in health care. In order to reduce the spread of these infections, it is important that health professionals perform basic hygiene practices and precautions. Aim. The aim is to highlight the steps that are taken, in health care, to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections in health care. Method. A literature review based on qualitative and quantitative research. Result. The findings show the different measures taken and reported in the following five thematic areas: staff hygiene, protection equipment, environment, isolation and training/responsibility. In these outlines basic hand hygiene, cautions, cleaning and the nurse's responsibility. Conclusion. Healthcare staff is aware of the precautions to be taken but the infections spread anyway. It is located in the nurse's responsibility to engage in a good and safe care with high standards of hygiene, which means to be responsible that the hygiene procedures are followed in the workplace.