Hand Hygiene

Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.

The 20 conditions, known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are estimated to affect more than 1 billion people, yet many individuals have never heard of them. Heather Saunders, MPH, RN, CIC, discusses 5 of them and what is being done to prevent their spread.

Despite the severity of a measles diagnosis, outbreaks continue. Health care workers should encourage their patients to receive the vaccine and explain its safety.

Water, essential in health care, from hygiene to medical procedures. AAMI's ST108 sets new standards, vital for patient safety and equipment integrity.

Preventable health care-associated infections (pHAIs) cost US health care facilities up to $123 million per day.

The field of health care has placed a great emphasis on infection prevention in recent years, making it imperative for professionals in this domain to obtain certifications and additional training. These credentials verify their expertise and enable them to gain access to better job prospects and higher earning potential.

The journey of pregnancy begins long before conception, with a woman's lifestyle choices profoundly influencing her future child's health. From diet to infection prevention, proactive measures are crucial.

Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, discusses 3 uncommon yet highly infectious eye diseases, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment and preventative measures.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending February 11, 2024.

In the 19th century, Ignaz Semmelweis pioneered hand hygiene, proving its effectiveness in reducing infections. Ambulatory care settings stress its importance, emphasizing proper technique and cultural integration for optimal health outcomes.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending February 4, 2024.

Infection preventionists Heather Saunders and Stephanie Mayoryk's journey to East Africa emphasizes the positive impact of infection prevention efforts in low-income countries. Despite challenges, their experience encourages IPs to engage globally, fostering hope and passion for providing excellent patient care.

Pediatric health system discontinues MRSA contact precautions with sustained infection control success, supporting broader consideration while emphasizing horizontal prevention measures' importance.

Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens of clinical importance in health care facilities today.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending January 14, 2024.

Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America/Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology answer Diekema, et al, about MRSA prevention strategies.

Hospital kitchens play a critical role in infection prevention, focusing on safe food handling from receiving to serving. Proper vetting of food vendors, temperature control, storage, and hygiene are essential to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.

AI is helping health care professionals during the pandemic by improving accuracy and patient safety in radiology and disease prediction. Despite concerns about job replacement and misuse, AI promises to enhance health care accessibility, affordability, and accuracy.

Infection Control Today's® Product Locator is a monthly column highlighting some of the latest advanced technology in the infection prevention field.

An interview with an infectious diseases expert on how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) impacts populations, current treatments, and best methods for prevention.

A recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control reveals errors in infection prevention adherence among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of improved training.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending December 10, 2023.

Which of the various low and high-tech measures proposed to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission, from hand hygiene to air cleaners, actually work? A new study gives practical tools for assessment and insights into their effectiveness.

Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens of clinical importance in health care facilities today.

A critical analysis questions the universal application of contact precautions (CP) for MRSA prevention, considering potential harms, environmental sustainability, and evidence-based alternatives.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending December 3, 2023.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending November 25, 2023.

Read about a cluster randomized clinical trial that found that direct gloving without prior hand hygiene significantly improved infection prevention practice adherence among health care personnel.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending November 19, 2023.

Recent CDC HICPAC revisions regarding SARS-CoV-2 control face criticism from the World Health Network and others due to alleged breaches in committee structure and erroneous infection control guidance, potentially impacting COVID-19 management and immunocompromised individuals in health care.