The Infection Control Today® COVID-19 page brings readers the latest information and clinical updates on the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, from case counts and hospitalization rates to data on effective treatments for severe disease and the circulating viral variants.
June 20th 2025
Despite its critical role in patient safety, infection prevention and control (IPC) remains one of health care’s most misunderstood and understructured professions. While COVID-19 thrust IPC into the spotlight, the field still lacks a clear entry path, standardized training, and broad institutional recognition, leaving many professionals to learn on the job with minimal guidance.
Nurturing the Spirit: A Look Into the Well-Being of Infection Preventionists
January 19th 2024In the dynamic realm of infection prevention, professionals face both the potential for impactful contributions and the risk of burnout. The delicate balance between the highs and lows prompts an exploration into factors influencing the well-being of infection preventionists.
Differences in Attitudes Toward COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines Revealed by Hesitancy Trends
January 3rd 2024Survey shows people think the influenza vaccine is safer than the COVID-19 vaccine. This is concerning as COVID-19 is more prevalent and hospitalizes more people. This could result in low vaccine uptake.
COVID-19 vs Seasonal Influenza: A Comparative Analysis Reveals Alarming Trends
January 2nd 2024Results of a study by Yan Xie and colleagues highlight the severe impact of COVID-19, with higher death rates, increased risks of long-term complications, and greater infectivity compared to seasonal influenza.
Ensuring Safe Journeys: Infection Prevention in Public Transportation
December 27th 2023While public transportation offers convenience and accessibility, it is crucial to remain mindful of the potential presence of germs, emphasizing the importance of adopting infection prevention measures during travel times.
Study Highlights Need to Strengthen Infection Prevention Measures Among Health Care Professionals
December 11th 2023A recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control reveals errors in infection prevention adherence among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of improved training.
Vaccination Insights From NFID Medical Director: Preventing Respiratory Diseases in Pregnancy
December 1st 2023Learn about vital vaccination recommendations during pregnancy to prevent respiratory diseases like RSV, COVID-19, and influenza. NFID's Robert H. Hopkins, Jr. MD, offers insights and strategies for effective communication.
Uncovering the Hidden Dangers: A Comprehensive Study on Insulated Medical Devices From 2021 to 2022
November 21st 2023This interview with Cheron Rojo, BS, FCS, CHL, CIS, CER, CFER, CRCST, delves into a robust year-long study, starting in 2021, investigating the often-overlooked risks associated with insulated medical devices impacting both patients and medical staff.
Hot Topics in IPC: Influenza, COVID-19, and Mechanical Ventilation and Drug-Resistant Pathogens
November 3rd 2023In this Hot Topics in IPC, Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC, FAPIC, discusses her concerns about COVID-19 and influenza for this winter, and mechanical ventilation and drug-resistant pathogens.
Overcoming Challenges to Eye Device Reprocessing: A 3-Year Study
October 25th 2023A recent American Journal of Infection Control study, led by Katharine Hoffman, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, and Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC, applies Lean Six Sigma to improve eye device reprocessing. The research highlights the challenges, emphasizes adherence to manufacturer instructions, and promotes best practices for patient safety.
INFORM and EPOCH Studies Unveil COVID-19's Heavy Toll on Immunocompromised Individuals
October 20th 2023Recent INFORM and EPOCH studies shed light on the significant risk and poor outcomes faced by immunocompromised individuals due to COVID-19, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention strategies.
Examining the Impact of Enhanced Infection Prevention Measures on HAIs, Including CLABSIs
October 18th 2023In an interview with Amy Spallone, MD, from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the study investigates the effects of COVID-19 precautions on healthcare-associated infections, revealing surprising results in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), C difficile infections, and more.