Abigail L. Carlson, MD, MPH, Doctor, Undertaking Firstline, Division of Healthcare High quality Promotion, CDC
With help from Mia Frederick (contractor, TANAQ) a author for CDC’s Undertaking Firstline within the Division of Healthcare High quality Promotion.
Over the previous few months, there was a rise in respiratory virus exercise nationwide, inflicting further pressure on an already overburdened healthcare system. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have now seen atypical circulation of different respiratory viruses, together with influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus/enteroviruses (usually causes of the widespread chilly).
Flu and RSV exercise peaked sooner than regular towards the top of 2022, and though infections are on the decline, they’re nonetheless extremely prevalent. CDC knowledge present that just about 19,000 individuals have been admitted to the hospital for flu within the first two weeks of the brand new 12 months alone, and weekly hospitalization charges for RSV stay larger than most up-to-date seasons. Moreover, CDC is maintaining a detailed eye on COVID-19 exercise, as the brand new Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 continues to achieve floor within the US, inflicting about half of recent infections.
When these viruses are spreading locally, the danger for unfold in healthcare settings will increase as nicely. As we proceed with this difficult respiratory virus season, Undertaking Firstline desires to remind you there are issues you are able to do as a healthcare employee to stop and gradual the unfold of infections in well being care. And the excellent news is, you have already got the information and instruments you want.
Utilizing the next an infection management actions collectively will assist defend sufferers, your self, and your colleagues from getting sick.
- Common and proper use of masks and respirators assist lower the unfold of respiratory viruses. NIOSH-approved respirators (together with N95s) supply the best stage of safety.
- Clear your arms. Fingers are most important method germs unfold in healthcare settings. Cleansing your arms commonly with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or cleaning soap and water is a straightforward but efficient device to cease the unfold of germs.
- Clear and disinfect. Common environmental cleansing is a necessity. Foyer areas, cafeterias, and ready rooms are all high-traffic areas. It’s additionally vital to disinfect reusable gadgets and not reuse disposable gadgets.
- Apply bodily distancing. To restrict the unfold of germs, encourage bodily distancing – significantly in shared areas. Additionally make the most of telemedicine and use telehealth appointments for affected person care, when acceptable. These methods considerably lower the danger of spreading sickness.
- Get vaccinated. Encourage everybody in your apply to get vaccinated in opposition to flu and COVID-19 to scale back unfold & absenteeism. Latest research present that flu vaccination reduces the danger of sickness between 40% and 60% among the many general inhabitants throughout seasons.
- Guarantee HVAC upkeep is updated. Seek the advice of with services administration to make sure the heating, air flow, and air con, or HVAC, system is working effectively for correct air flow in your facility. Think about using high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters in small areas for an added layer of safety.
For extra data on an infection management for respiratory virus infections, corresponding to flu, RSV, and COVID-19, take a look at the next assets from Undertaking Firstline and our companions:
Undertaking Firstline is a nationwide an infection management coaching collaborative, working to offer all healthcare professionals with the foundational an infection management information they want and deserve to guard themselves, their sufferers, their coworkers, and their communities. For extra data, trainings, and different an infection management assets, go to CDC Undertaking Firstline.
