Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023
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Viral Swarm: ‘Tripledemic’ Pushes Healthcare Facilities to the Brink
Respiratory infections are causing hospitalizations and deaths nationally in an unprecedented trifecta of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19.
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Device Nurses Can Prevent CLABSIs
A recent study estimated the average central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) costs $48,108, while increasing patient mortality by 12% to 25%. These costs and patient consequences may ensue if the central line is not routinely observed and maintained. Thus, one hospital system justified hiring two epidemiology nurses in 2018 after years of trying to claw back CLABSI rates by various interventions.
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Vaccine Second Shot, Boosters Kick in Protective Effect
A study of healthcare and other frontline workers with COVID-19 showed that a history of two or three messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine doses lessened the severity of illness significantly.
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EPINet: Needlesticks Spike 13% from 2020 to 2021
The largest noticeable needlestick increases from 2020 to 2021 were among injections with disposable syringes, especially with insulin needles and those used for vaccinations, says Amber Mitchell, DrPH, director of the International Safety Center, noted for its longstanding EPINet surveillance system for needlesticks, sharps injuries, and mucosal blood exposures.
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Another Emerging Infection, as Cholera Makes a Call
Clinicians should be prepared to identify and treat cholera in returning travelers using designated infection control measures to prevent hospital transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.