Prevention

The past 5 years in medicine have seen significant advances in RNA vaccines, understanding immune dysregulation, and improved interspecialty communication, promising better disease eradication and tailored treatments.

This Pathogen Pulse highlights: Whooping cough, oropouche fever, and avian influenza. Read on to get caught up on the latest.

Peter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH, discusses how climate change, including extreme weather and temperature shifts, is reshaping the spread of infectious diseases like dengue, leptospirosis, and Valley fever.

Phyllis Arthur, MBA, and David Thomas, CFA, from BIO provide insights into challenges, investment trends, and policy considerations for developing vaccines targeting rare diseases.

Andreea Capilna, MD, PhD, an infectious disease and infection control and prevention doctor for the Regina Maria Military Hospital in Braşov, România, highlights the importance of infection prevention and the critical role of cleaning personnel in maintaining hygiene standards in hospitals.

New research highlights long COVID’s global impact, cognitive decline, and societal consequences, urging renewed focus on prevention, including vaccination, mask use, and better air quality.

Research finds Enhanced Barrier Precautions reduce MDRO transmission in nursing homes, though challenges persist with gown usage, education, and comfort during high-contact care activities.

The rise of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea highlights the urgent need for new therapies. Zoliflodacin, a promising oral antibiotic, shows effectiveness in late-stage trials.

Novavax’s COVID-19-Influenza Combination vaccine faces a clinical hold after a trial participant developed motor neuropathy, pending further investigation by the FDA.

Paul Harleman of Vileda Professional discusses their partnership with Clean Hospitals, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and global efforts to improve hospital hygiene and safety.

According to Julia Szymczak, PhD, a sociology expert, antibiotic prescribing involves complex social dynamics. Understanding these can improve antimicrobial stewardship by addressing professional etiquette, patient pressures, and emotional decision-making.

Infection preventionists (IPs) leverage change management techniques to overcome resistance, build momentum, and implement infection prevention strategies to safeguard patient health and organizational efficiency in health care settings.

The Mid-Atlantic Central Service Association (MACSA) HSPA Chapter presents its autumn conference on November 9, 2024, from 8-4 PM in Ridgeville, New Jersey.

Contaminated ice machines caused Burkholderia multivorans infections at hospitals in California and Colorado. Health officials recommend stopping ice machine use during clinical care to prevent further outbreaks.

Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is a common surgical complication that increases hospital stay, costs, and mortality. Oral hygiene before and after surgery can significantly reduce the risk of POP.

In this exclusive article, Devin Jopp, the CEO of APIC, discusses the upcoming day-long virtual conference entitled “APIC AI Summit: The Impact of AI on IPC.”

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Priya Pandya-Orozco, DNP, MSN, RN, PHN, CIC.

Use this handout to explain the basics of why infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship are essential and how the 2 fields must have a unified approach to patient and staff safety

A study by Loveleen Tina Joshi, PhD raised concerns about bleach-resistant C difficile strains, and Curtis J. Donskey, MD, and his team answered.

The Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens that are clinically important in today's health care facilities.

If a patient receives treatment or therapy that they do not need, it can cause unnecessary harm. This is true for medications, surgeries, and medical procedures, especially blood transfusions. 

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Tommy Davis, PhD, ACHE, APIC, BLS.

Infection preventionists focus on patient safety. Reducing CLABSIs requires meticulous care for all vascular access points, not just central lines, to prevent bloodstream infections.

Nurse practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA)-led practices offer autonomy, flexible schedules, and smaller patient loads, which could help mitigate burnout while reducing pressure on traditional healthcare systems and improving infection prevention.

Clear interdepartmental communication is essential for infection prevention in health care settings, minimizing risk, improving safety, and ensuring effective control during patient transfers across departments.