Personal Protective Equipment

The FDA's 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485 are crucial in regulating medical device quality systems. Harmonizing these standards by 2026 will streamline compliance, improve patient access to devices, and align US regulations with global practices.

Read this informative article on mitigating central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in acute care settings, which is crucial for enhancing patient safety.

Enjoy this first installment of The Long-Term Care Chronicles With Robbie Hilliard, MSN, RN CIC, a column about managing special infection control situations in the long-term care patient population. This installment is about when 2 experts conflict about best care.

The 2024 surge in infectious diseases like mpox, measles, and meningitis demands a paradigm shift in control strategies, emphasizing expanded expertise, improved airborne precautions, and rethinking cost-effectiveness in healthcare to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.

As infectious diseases resurge in 2024, this article explores how IPs can manage outbreaks, allocate resources, use technology for surveillance, and collaborate with senior leaders to ensure business continuity and patient safety in health care settings.

The US faces an H5N1 outbreak affecting dairy cattle, poultry, and humans. Cases are rising, highlighting potential pandemic risks and the need for vigilant monitoring.

Jackie Otero, senior territory sales representative at Abatement Technologies, discusses the SHIELD WALL modular containment system by Abatement Technologies, highlighting its quick assembly, durability, noise reduction, and benefits in maintaining indoor air quality in health care settings.

Pneumonia, a leading cause of death from health care-acquired infections, can be prevented through oral care, especially in nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) cases.

Welcome to Pathogen Pulse with Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC. This edition is about H5N1. H5N1 bird flu has spread to dairy cattle across multiple states, posing new risks through unpasteurized milk and contact with infected animals.

Communal dining in LTC facilities enhances social interaction and nutrition but requires infection prevention measures to protect residents from risks like gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

Balancing personal struggles and professional responsibilities during crises requires self-awareness, self-compassion, healthy boundaries, and support networks. Embrace these strategies to navigate and overcome challenges.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending July 20, 2024.

Check out Infection Control Today's PowerPoint that explains updates to the long-term care enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) requirements from the CMS.

The CDC reports today of a 20% increase in antimicrobial-resistant infections during COVID-19, in the years of 2021-2022, highlighting the need for ongoing prevention and updated estimates starting in 2025.

Negative perceptions of safety climate among nurses are linked to reduced adherence to standard precautions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve patient safety culture.

Chaitenya Razdan, CEO and founder of Care+Wear, discusses the development of adaptive clothing for patients with PICC lines and NICU infants, focusing on comfort, dignity, and infection prevention.

Enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) in nursing homes are vital to prevent multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission, address antimicrobial resistance, and ensure resident safety and well-being.

The WHO suggests changing terminology to better understand pathogen transmission through the air, emphasizing N95 mask use and improved ventilation.

The information health care workers need to know about the concerning infection trends among sex workers and how best to support and treat them.

Opinion: Kevin Kavanagh, MD, examines a summary of studies on how COVID-19 may damage the brain's frontal lobes, alter personality traits and cognitive functions, and potentially reshape society's dynamics.

A struggling infection preventionist seeks guidance on combatting monotony and finding fulfillment in their role amidst recurring challenges.

A JAMA study exposes the US healthcare system's staggering waste expenditure underlining challenges in managing diverse waste types and stringent regulations' compliance. What solutions are there?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.

The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.

Ten cases of measles have been reported Florida alone. With measles transmission rates soaring, questions abound about how this latest case emerged, and why these numbers keep rising.

Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.

Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.

A recent commentary by Dr. Amesh Adalja in MedPage Today challenges the perception of COVID-19 as solely a respiratory virus, highlighting its broader impact on the body. This analysis questions the notion that COVID-19 should be managed like common respiratory infections, urging a closer look at vaccine effectiveness, the rise of long COVID, and the need for enhanced measures to curb the virus's spread. Let's explore the complexities of COVID-19 management and the pressing realities faced by the US and the world.

Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, discusses 3 uncommon yet highly infectious eye diseases, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment and preventative measures.

VR training is a game-changer in PPE skills for health care amidst COVID-19. Study shows superiority over traditional methods, revolutionizing safety education, according to a study published today.