APIC Gives Advice to Protect Against the Trifecta of Infectious Diseases

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recently released a statement by CEO, Devin Jopp.

"With a trifecta of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating, and hospitalizations from influenza at their highest levels in a decade, the need is great to protect our most vulnerable populations—seniors and children. Increased socializing and crowded indoor gatherings during the holidays will put more people at risk of getting sick,” the statement began.

"APIC recommends basic infection prevention actions to protect ourselves and vulnerable loved ones this holiday season:

• "Get vaccinated. The bivalent (or “updated”) COVID-19 vaccine booster and the flu vaccines are formulated to work against the strains that are spreading and can help protect against severe hospitalization and death. Vaccination also protects those around us who may not produce a strong immune response or who may be too young to get vaccinated.
• "When in doubt, take the mask out. Practice respiratory etiquette: Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings, cover your cough, and keep your hands clean. Make sure children understand how to clean their hands.
• "See your health care provider as soon as symptoms develop. Contact your health care provider immediately so treatments can be started early in your illness when they will be most effective."

The statement concluded, "As we mark the third anniversary of COVID-19, APIC also urges lawmakers to allocate resources for strong and visible infection prevention and control presence in facilities that house our most vulnerable to prevent needless suffering and death from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. By each doing our part to prevent the spread of infections, we can all enjoy a safer holiday season."

Sharon Ward-Fore, MS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC, and a member of Infection Control Today^®’s editorial advisory board concurred. “I couldn't agree more! This "tridemic" of respiratory diseases is challenging to young and old alike. In general, we've become fatigued by masking, social distancing, and vaccine "boosting," forgetting the benefits to everyone you come in contact with. We all wish this pandemic were over, but it isn't. We still need to follow basic public health recommendations, especially when around people with unknown vaccination status.”