WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Do not let a stomach virus damper your summer fun and spoil your vacation. Families can protect themselves by engaging in proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.
A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported on the possible transmission of a highly infectious norovirus among crewmembers and passengers aboard an overseas flight. Crewmembers and some passengers reported gastroenteritis during the flight and over a period of up to three days following the flight. Symptoms were typical of norovirus, and subsequent analysis confirmed this was the cause. Noroviruses are highly contagious and commonly spread by contact, especially in closed settings. The JAMA study noted that the illness appeared in those passengers who used the same airline bathrooms as the infected crewmembers.
Use of proper hand hygiene, including handwashing or alcohol-based hand hygiene products, can significantly reduce the transmission of gastrointestinal illnesses, states Sue Sebazco, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Frequent and thorough hand hygiene, either with soap and water or an alcohol-based product, is critical to prevent and control many types of infections. Be sure to take time to clean your hands following the use of restrooms, prior to and immediately following meals, and after coughing or sneezing.
Source: APIC
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.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
Streamlined IFU Access Boosts Infection Control and Staff Efficiency
June 17th 2025A hospital-wide quality improvement project has transformed how staff access critical manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), improving infection prevention compliance and saving time through a standardized, user-friendly digital system supported by unit-based training and interdepartmental collaboration.
Spring Into Safety: How Seasonal Deep Cleaning Strengthens Hospital Infection Control
June 13th 2025Rooted in ancient rituals of renewal, spring-cleaning has evolved from cultural tradition to a vital infection prevention strategy in modern hospitals—one that blends seasonal deep cleaning with advanced disinfection to reduce pathogens, improve air quality, and protect patients.