Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today’s highlights for the week ending December 17
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.
Omicron’s Mild Symptoms Can’t Mask Danger It Poses
Omicron poses a grave risk to the US health care system. The US has a low rate of vaccination and obtaining boosters, and a relatively large segment of our population is elderly or immunocompromised. A 2-dose mRNA vaccine's immunity appears to rapidly wane and unlike South Africa, many in the US were fully vaccinated very early in the pandemic.
As Delta Spikes in Parts of U.S., Omicron Wave Builds Momentum
Experts worry that the high infectivity of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 will further strain health care systems already dealing with Delta. Expect infection preventionists to be in the thick of it.
Brushing Up on Sterile Processing in Dentistry
Dental instruments may not seem as invasive as the instruments used in medical surgeries, but they still pose the same dangers.
They’re Back: In Face of Omicron, Hand Hygiene, Social Distancing, Masking Needed
The World Health Organization warns that vaccines alone won’t protect health care systems from being swamped.
Changes COVID-19 Brought to Long-Term Care Facilities
Having an infection preventionist on site or as a consultant to lead infection prevention and control training makes a difference. The ability to screen, isolate, or group patients can save lives. Ongoing testing of residents and staff is critical.
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.
Gag Order Puts Public Health at Risk, APIC Urges Immediate Action
February 4th 2025APIC warns that the HHS gag order on CDC communications endangers public health, delaying critical infection updates and weakening outbreak response amid rising tuberculosis, avian flu, Ebola, and measles threats.