Each year in the United States more than 266 million prescriptions for antibiotics are written in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. Studies show 30 percent of these antibiotics are not needed and can actually be harmful. Get Smart about Antibiotics Week, Nov. 14-20, 2016, focuses on raising awareness about the risks of using these miracle drugs inappropriately and their impact on antibiotic resistance. The week long observance comes less than two months after the United Nations identified antibiotic resistance as the "greatest and most urgent global risk" and called on world governments to combat antibiotic resistance in medicine, agriculture, and the environment.
Second Strain of Bird Flu Found in US Dairy Cows: What It Means for Infection Prevention and Control
February 7th 2025A new H5N1 strain was found in Nevada dairy cows, challenging earlier transmission theories. This raises concerns about animal vulnerability, human health risks, and food safety. Experts emphasize the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-sector collaboration to contain the virus spread.
Fungal Infections: The Silent Epidemic Threatening Global Health
February 6th 2025Fungal infections are a rising global threat, with antifungal resistance complicating treatment. Neil J. Clancy, MD, emphasizes the urgent need for research, better diagnostics, and stronger infection prevention strategies.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Most Harmful and Costly Hospital-Acquired Infection
February 5th 2025Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a deadly, overlooked infection impacting patient outcomes. With new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies, hospitals must prioritize oral hygiene to reduce risk.