Healthcare Professionals: Avoid Long-Term Consequences, Use Antibiotics Appropriately
As part of Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, today Dr. Martin Blaser discusses the importance of prescribing and using antibiotics appropriately to avoid unnecessary short-term side effects, like rashes and diarrhea, and long-term consequences, like antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics have done untold good, but a growing body of research shows an association between early-life exposures to antibiotics and chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity-so antibiotics should only be prescribed and used when necessary. Read the CDC's Safer Healthcare Blog.
And don’t forget:
• Follow #AntibioticResistance 2-4 p.m. EST tomorrow to join in a global Twitter chat
• Share Get Smart About Antibiotics factsheets with your colleagues
• Learn more about Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
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.
