Federal report questions efficiency of required nursing hours in infection control
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Jan 20, 2023
A new federal report calls into question whether Medicare’s required hours for registered and licensed practical nurses are adequate in helping protect nursing home residents from infections.
Report documents quick spread of new coronavirus through U.S. nursing facilities
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 23, 2020
At least 72 facilities in 22 states have infections, along with 55 deaths as of Friday.
New CDC data: Vaccinated older adults have low chance of COVID hospitalization
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
The three FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in keeping the oldest adults out of the hospital, according to federal data released Friday.
Candida auris outbreaks reported across Nevada skilled nursing and acute-care facilities
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 19, 2022
Nevada health officials have been investigating outbreaks of Candida auris since mid-April in “several” long-term care facilities, a local news outlet reports.
CDC: Prepare for COVID cases to rise in elders when young adult infections surge
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 14, 2020
In hotspot counties, surges in COVID infections begin in younger adults, followed by “several weeks” of increases in older age groups, agency investigators have found.
Most senior living facilities short on coronavirus-fighting supplies, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 17, 2020
More than two-thirds of the nation’s senior living facilities report trouble sourcing equipment, particularly N95 respirators.
An electric cooker can sanitize N95 masks, preserve filtration and fit, investigators find
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2020
A rice cooker or an Instant Pot effectively decontaminates N95 respirators without compromising fit and function, researchers say. They demonstrate the method in a YouTube video.
Flu season may be ‘devastating,’ officials warn
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 01, 2020
“The real risk is that we’re going to have two circulating respiratory pathogens at the same time,” says CDC director Robert Redfield, M.D.
CDC: Portable air cleaners cut exposure to COVID-19 virus by 65 percent
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 06, 2021
In a simulated meeting with infected and uninfected participants, properly placed portable air cleaners with HEPA air filters slashed virus transmission. Adding masks was even more effective — cutting...
Read my lips: virus may spread through speech
By
Alicia Lasek
May 14, 2020
Speaking in a confined environment can cause airborne virus transmission, likely helping to spread the coronavirus, according to new research.