500-Plus Deaths Annually Associated with Children's Cough and Cold Medicine
Research published in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ journal, Pediatrics, reveals that there is an estimated 500 pediatric deaths a year associated with children's cold and cough medicine.
"Up until this new research, officials assumed that there were only three or four deaths a year from these medications" says Dr. Jeffery L. Chamberlain, the family doctor and co-founder of Honey Don't Cough, who performed the mathematical extrapolation. "Deaths have been drastically underreported because when a child gets sick and dies, doctors assume that the death was solely related to the illness itself. Typically, no one thinks to check for toxic medications that could have contributed to the death."
Doctors and child advocates are pushing for government intervention.
Dr. Mary Ellen Rimsza, lead author of the article, "Unexpected Infant Deaths Associated With the Use of Cough and Cold Medications," and chair of the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program, writes, "We have suggested that our state Medicaid program initiate a public education campaign regarding the risks associated with use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines since poor, publicly insured families may be more likely to give these products to their infants."
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
