Weekly Rounds with Infection Control Today: Battling COVID and Flu, Fixing Masking Problems, Vaccine Hesitancy in Health Care Workers

Here are 5 highlights from ICT®’s wide-ranging coverage of the infection prevention and control world. Everything from interviews with known opinion leaders, to the news that infection preventionists and other health care professionals can use on their jobs.

Even in Shadow of COVID-19, Influenza Poses Pandemic Threat

The ability of any infectious agent to maintain constant transmission enables it to be an ongoing threat to public health. Few pathogens have achieved greater success at ongoing transmission potential than the influenza virus.

Many Masking Problems Can’t be Masked

Infection preventionists and other health care providers need masks that can easily be fit-tested or are more moldable to ensure a good seal—Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC.

The Young, the Old, and COVID-19

As COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates head downward, pediatric SARS-CoV-2 rates rise, and nursing homes can again become disaster zones. And remember: Winter is coming.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Health Care Workers: Why?

Vaccine hesitant health care professionals are most likely to be persuaded by fellow workers. Meanwhile, mandates can backfire.

Twofer Vaccine in the Making Works Against ‘Twindemic’ of Flu, COVID-19

A one-and-done vaccine that prevents both influenza and COVID-19 might help alleviate vaccine hesitancy for both conditions.