More Action Needed to Fight the Flu
BRUSSELS, Belgium-Public health officials are asking for governments to take more action against influenza. Citing the thousands of deaths each year attributable to the virus, healthcare professionals are asking for help today before another outbreak occurs.
A new report, "Influenza: A Race Against Time," was recently released in Brussels at an international health conference. Within the report, officials ask for better public understanding of the virus, more vaccinations, and more access to improved treatments. They predict if these options are utilized, thousands of lives can be saved.
The report also cites several statistics including financial motivation for governments to develop and implement a national pandemic preparedness plan, originally established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999. More than 10% of all work absences are attributed to influenza and in the US more than 30 million cases of the virus are reported annually. There are also more than 20,000 deaths caused by the flu in the US each year.
The report was funded through an educational grant from Roche and Retroscreen Virology.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
