COVID-19

Recent 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.

In 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.

Belinda Ostrowsky, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, and SHEA Chair, highlights IDWeek 2023's hybrid format and discusses the critical topic of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the role of vaccines in reducing AMR.

An immunocompromised keynote speaker, Kevin Kavanagh, MD, shares strategies for safe air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing mask usage, vaccinations, and air quality monitoring, with mixed observations throughout the journey.

The investigational mRNA-1647 vaccine discussed at IDWeek 2023 shows great promise in the fight against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Developed using messenger RNA technology, it incorporates essential CMV antigens and has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in clinical evaluations.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy demonstrates promise for rapid strain typing of yeast and bacteria, which could help improve proactive infection control strategies in health care settings.

FDA approved emergency use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2601) for ages 12 years and older. It also protects against current variants.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are vital for maintaining air quality in health care facilities. They play a crucial role in reducing disease transmission by regulating air quality. Proper HVAC systems decrease risk through ventilation, filtration, and airflow control.

Fibi Attia, MD, MP, CIC, and her colleagues conducted a study on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) linked to COVID-19. The study focused on the characteristics, implications, and outcomes of MIS-C cases, particularly cardiac dysfunction. The interview discusses the study's goals and key findings, stressing the importance of detecting MIS-C cases and the need for more research on COVID-19 vaccines.

Medical investigators are concerned about a triple threat this winter with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Vaccination is crucial, but distribution challenges remain. Wearing masks, hand hygiene, and ventilation is important to prevent infections. Hospitals need comprehensive plans to respond efficiently.

Cases of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza are expected to rise this fall and winter season; yet, the number of people who plan on getting the vaccines for each of the infections remains low, according to the NFID announcement today.

As COVID-19 restrictions eased up, other respiratory viruses began circulating alongside SARS-CoV-2. It's crucial to identify cases and understand the symptoms of these infections to track the evolution of the virus and what health care workers should look out for.

Infection preventionists (IP) can come from many different backgrounds. This is 1 opinion from 1 very successful IP who doesn't have an RN or a BSN and the bullying that sometimes occurs.

The interaction between the respiratory viruses SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, poses ongoing challenges. Personal protective measures, testing, and vaccination are critical components of our strategy to mitigate the impact of these viruses.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending September 24, 2023.

Deborah Birx, MD, highlights concerns about the lack of data-driven action in the fight against COVID-19. She emphasizes the need for timely alerts and empowering communities to protect vulnerable individuals.

Deborah Birx, MD, discusses the significance of collaboration, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement in public health. Her insights underscore the need for trust-building and adaptability in pandemic response.

The AHE Exchange Conference in Dallas focused on emerging pathogens and the role of environmental services. Doe Kley, MPH, RN, T-CHEST, LTC-CIP, CIC, discusses hers and other exceptional presentations with Infection Control Today.

Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, discusses whether students should be required to wear masks to protect themselves and others and what the public should know about the newest COVID-19 variant, B.A.2.86.

Randomized controlled trials show masks are effective. With COVID-19, even one mistake in protective gear usage could lead to infection and obscure results.

In this Hot Topics in IPC, Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC, FAPIC, discusses COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, Legionella infections from transplants, and hospital leadership.

Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, answers the persistent question of whether mRNA technology is safe in the long term.

“Once people started to get infected and reinfected despite being vaccinated, their interpretation then is this vaccine doesn't work…. But [the COVID-19 vaccine] was never designed, studied, tested, or released to protect against infection.” --Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD

The updated vaccines are projected to offer strong defense against the presently circulating COVID-19 variants. Who should be vaccinated?

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending September 10, 2023.