Seasonal influenza is associated with approximately 150,000 hospital admissions and as many as 49,000 deaths annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help the public understand the dangers of the flu and the importance of vaccination, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is joining with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and other healthcare organizations to unite against the flu during National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 7-13, 2014).
APIC has compiled influenza resources to educate consumers about the flu and infection prevention basics. Access a printer-friendly copy of an influenza consumer alert HERE.
The CDC reports that this flu season will likely be more severe, with a higher rate of illness and hospitalization. CDC recommends three steps to stay healthy:
1. Get a flu vaccine. Vaccination offers the best protection against the flu.
2. If you have the flu, talk to your doctor about getting an antiviral treatment which can minimize your symptoms. If you have a high-risk health condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, or diabetes, contact your doctor right away.
3. Take everyday actions to prevent the spread of germs like covering your cough, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick.
There is still time to get your flu shot. Even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time or even be hospitalized.
For more information on seasonal influenza, visit the CDC webpage. Additional consumer materials are located on the AHA United Against the Flu webpage and the APIC website.
Source: APIC
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.