Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS)

An informative, eye-opening and sad read, all in one. We have gifted this article to provide unrestricted access. #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infectiousdisease #infectiousdiseases #superbugs #antibiotics #antibioticresistance

👏ICCS praises the work of the researchers in the Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine to identify credible podcasts dedicated to infectious diseases. Access their research here: https://lnkd.in/egG9KXQy #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infectiousdisease #infectiousdiseases #podcast #podcasts

👀CDC has confirmed the first reported H5N1 avian influenza virus infection in a child in the United States. It is the second U.S. case identified through national surveillance. #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #influenza #flu #birdflu #publichealth

For decades, infection prevention and control has relied on the CDC's Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) for guidance and sound decisions that help ensure the safety of patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and everybody entering healthcare facilities. It is extremely critical that the committee continues to address all aspects of new guidance, particularly after the devastation of COVID-19 and how ill-prepared we were, including in the healthcare setting, to deal with a pandemic of that magnitude. With avian influenza (H5N1) on our radar and of increasing concern, authorities should be ramping up guidance and addressing all possible scenarios for another respiratory pandemic — one that could happen sooner than later. I am strongly of the opinion — and believe that tens of thousands of my colleagues across the nation also of the opinion — that the standards as they are written today appear weak and inadequate to address future outbreaks. I am hoping that those responsible for developing the standards will listen to the experts who are on the front lines and put lives before other issues that may prevent them from making sound decisions. We do not have time on our side!

Learn about the new assisted living best practices for infection prevention and control released by a group of senior living and government organizations ... and why one provider group — the National Center for Assisted Living — withheld its support for the final guidance. #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #assistedliving #seniorliving #patientsafety

This column by Dr. Claire Panosian Dunavan asks some very important questions about the current avian flu outbreak and how prepared — or perhaps unprepared — we are to respond if the virus further evolves and spreads. (free account required for access) #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infectiousdisease #infectiousdiseases #birdflu #avianflu #influenza

Preventable adverse events that create potential or actual harm to patients remain a key area of focus and concern, as we continue striving for zero tolerance. A new study finds that healthcare-associated #infections (HAIs) account for 12% of adverse events affecting surgical patients. While the study does not provide details of the types of HAIs, our goal as #infectionprevention professionals is to continue our efforts to educate staff and assist with mitigating the risks to patients, despite the challenges. #Patientsafety, including preventable HAIs, are critical to our practice. Our expertise allows us to guide healthcare professionals who may not recognize, understand or have the time to focus on the finer details of infection prevention. Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS) provides a highly experienced team of certified professionals who work to engage our client facilities to “create a village,” with the goal of mitigating or preventing risks to their patients. While we face obstacles in achieving the best possible outcomes, we are often able to work around them. We encourage facilities to engage their patients and families, by empowering them — as highlighted in the research — to follow #perioperative instructions, ask questions and speak up whenever necessary. 

Today starts both U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (#USAAW) and World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (#WAAW). It is imperative that we all play a role in raising awareness of and combatting antimicrobial resistance. Learn more about USAAW: https://lnkd.in/gSx5m6td Learn more about WAAW: https://lnkd.in/eDK8sb73 #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infection #antimicrobialresistance #antimicrobialstewardship #antibiotics #publichealth #globalhealth

The WHO and CDC are reporting that the number of estimated measles cases in 2023 — more than 10 million — increased 20% increase from 2022. The cause: inadequate immunization coverage. More than 100,000 people died from the disease in 2023, mostly children under the age of 5. #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infectiousdisease #infectiousdiseases #measles #vaccine #vaccination

Alarming trend: U.S. cases of meningococcal disease have increased and now exceed pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 438 confirmed and probable cases were reported — the largest number of cases reported since 2013. Healthcare providers are advised to be on heightened alert for the disease and its symptoms and encourage appropriate meningococcal vaccination. #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infectiousdisease #infectiousdiseases #vaccine #vaccination