HAIs

A recent case-control study found that continuous photohydrolysis disinfection significantly reduced environmental bioburden, MDRO acquisition, COVID-19 cases, and hospital transfers in a long-term care facility, without adding staffing demands. The findings highlight the role of continuous air and surface disinfection as a complementary strategy to manual cleaning in addressing antimicrobial resistance and infection risk in LTC settings.

Two emerging animal-origin viruses, influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018, are quietly circulating and largely missed by routine diagnostics. Experts warn that without stronger surveillance, data sharing, and preparedness, these pathogens could become the next major respiratory threat.

Dialysis patients face some of the highest infection risks in health care. In this Q&A, nurse practitioner leader Octavia “Tavi” Schlueter, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, breaks down bloodstream infection risks, vascular access best practices, and how IPC teams can support dialysis staff through practical, workflow-based education.

Cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are still circulating, but many people have stopped paying attention. This article breaks down how to recognize the differences between common respiratory illnesses, explains overlapping symptoms, and outlines practical steps health care and dental professionals can take to reduce transmission. From hand hygiene and masking to staying home when sick and vaccination awareness, the piece reinforces why everyday prevention still matters during respiratory virus season.

In this complete interview with Colleen Becker, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, senior director of perioperative education for AORN, strong infection prevention practices are grounded in trust, communication, and psychological safety within the operating room team.

Infection prevention professionals are facing a critical breaking point. New survey data reveal widespread understaffing, rising burnout, and systemic undervaluation that threaten patient safety, outbreak readiness, and health system resilience.

Carbapenem-resistant organisms don’t stop at borders. Experts from Johns Hopkins and Ohio State share how strengthening lab capacity and foundational infection prevention practices helped reduce transmission in Ethiopian and Indian hospitals.

Inclusive perioperative teams are safer teams. In this fourth installment of an interview with Infection Control Today, Colleen Becker, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, explains how teams that reflect the communities they serve improve communication, trust, and infection prevention across the perioperative continuum. When staff feel heard and valued, risks are identified earlier and patient safety is strengthened.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are increasing nationwide, with harder-to-treat NDM strains reshaping the resistance landscape. In this Q&A, Lucas Schulz, PharmD, explains why rapid diagnostics and stewardship are critical to protecting patients and preserving last-line antibiotics.

Creating a culture where nurses feel safe speaking up is essential to proactive infection prevention. In this installment of an interview with Infection Control Today, Colleen Becker, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, explains how consistent communication, shared data, and team-driven goals help reduce burnout, strengthen accountability, and ensure infection risks are addressed early with patient safety at the center.

In this physician-authored analysis, a December 2025 CMS policy change ending mandatory childhood vaccine reporting is examined through a clinical and public health lens. The article warns that reduced surveillance, weakened federal recommendations, and increased reliance on shared decision making without clinical equipoise could accelerate declining vaccination rates, undermine outbreak response, and leave families without clear, evidence-based guidance.

A recent CMS policy change means states will no longer be required to report childhood vaccination data, raising serious concerns for infection prevention and control professionals. Without reliable immunization reporting, IPC teams may lose critical visibility into vaccine coverage, complicating outbreak prevention, policy decisions, and public trust at a time of rising vaccine hesitancy and declining community immunity.

What if sterile gloves are not always the safest or smartest choice? Evidence from dermatologic surgery suggests nonsterile gloves can deliver comparable infection outcomes in low-risk procedures while saving tens of thousands of dollars annually. This analysis asks whether hair restoration surgery deserves the same evidence-based reexamination.

Cleaning failures can undermine high-level disinfection of ultrasound probes. Learn why proper cleaning, drying, and inspection matter, and how standardization and automation can improve reprocessing outcomes and patient safety.

Jill Morgan, BSN, RN, of Emory University Hospital is calling for a national, evidence-based approach to personal protective equipment for high-consequence infectious diseases. Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasizes the need for safer doffing processes, stronger training, and a parallel commitment to staff safety that matches the rigor long applied to patient safety.

Jill Morgan, BSN, RN, of Emory University Hospital, explains why PPE education must start earlier, go deeper, and focus on supply, process, and competency to truly protect health care workers.

As 2026 begins, Infection Control Today®'s Editorial Advisory Board reflects on a challenging year shaped by misinformation, policy uncertainty, and relentless change, reaffirming a commitment to science, truth, and supporting IPC professionals who keep showing up for patients and public health.

Are you curious what the Top 5 Infection Control Today interviews were in 2025? Read this article to find out.

Look back with ICT at their print issues and look ahead at what ICT's 30th year will hold!

Observed on December 27, the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness highlights the need for continuous investment in prevention, detection, and response to protect lives and strengthen health systems against ongoing and emerging threats.

To celebrate and thank the infection prevention community, Infection Control Today® introduces The Merry Microbe, a festive holiday games booklet filled with quizzes, puzzles, and crosswords designed to educate, engage, and bring a little joy to the vital work of keeping health care environments safe.