Weekly Rounds with Infection Control Today: COVID-19’s Much Worse Than Flu, Long COVID’s Effect on Kids, Universal Masking

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.

Viewpoint: Here’s Why COVID-19 Is Much Worse Than Flu

Unlike influenza, SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 receptors to infiltrate cells. Similar to HIV, SARS-CoV-2 can silently spread throughout the host’s body and attack almost every organ.

Welcome to ID Week, Infection Preventionists

Joshua Nosanchuk, MD, Programs Chairperson for ID Week: “What the infection preventionists are doing I think is a true blessing for our community. And not always as well recognized as it should be…. I just want to say thank you to all the people that are doing this work.”

Long COVID-19 Spreads Wide Toxic Net That Includes Kids

A huge peer reviewed study in PLOS Medicine underscores just how much of a threat long COVID-19 presents: 1 in 3 survivors display symptoms of the disease 3 to 6 months after initial infection.

Without an Engaged Community, Infection Prevention Can Flounder

Coupling risk communication and effective engagement with the community can provide opportunities to change behavior and shape awareness of basic practices that can break the chain of transmission for many diseases.

Discussing Pros, Cons of Universal Masking Post-COVID 19

Pro: Health care professionals work around vulnerable patients, and in environments that might be contaminated by COVID-19. Con: Patients want to see their caregiver’s face.