New infection control guidelines released; MRSA, c. Diff and urinary tract infections figure prominently
Oct 10, 2008
Many of the nation’s most prominent infection-control groups on Wednesday released a new set of “consensus” guidelines to help curb the spread of six potentially fatal facility-acquired...
Therapy dogs can transfer MRSA and C. difficile among nursing home residents, researchers say
May 08, 2009
A recent Canadian study finds that methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and C. difficile can be transferred between long-term care residents and therapy dogs, opening a new possible avenue...
C. diff often originates outside healthcare settings, new study suggests
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 11, 2019
One in 10 patients admitted to a New York hospital with no C. diff symptoms were found to be carriers. Six months later, 38% had symptoms.
Nurses, staff should receive MRSA screenings, researchers say
Apr 23, 2008
Leaders of healthcare facilities should seriously consider having staff members screened for MRSA, the drug-resistant infection that can wreak havoc on senior populations, Swiss and South African researchers...
Social distancing greatly reduced coronavirus infections in China
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 26, 2020
A series of social interventions and a lockdown prevented 94% of infections in one province, according to analysts.
Study confirms need to isolate asymptomatic COVID-19 staff, residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2020
Symptomatic and asymptomatic adults carry a similar amount of the virus, a study of infected patients has found. What’s more, 81% of the asymptomatic participants had no outward signs of disease for...
Team approach helps hospital cut antibiotic use in sepsis case study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 28, 2019
A team approach to antimicrobial stewardship resulted in decreased broad spectrum antibiotic use, reduced patient length of stay and cost reductions for a Pennsylvania hospital.
Influenza or carbon monoxide poisoning? Be aware, EPA says
Jan 23, 2009
The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to symptoms of the flu. Seniors should be on their guard against both this season, the Environmental Protection Agency warns in a recently released...
Study reveals that ultraviolet light eliminates deadly hospital-acquired infections
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 19, 2012
Researchers say they nearly eliminated deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a study encompassing 50 patient rooms at two medical facilities by using a specific spectrum of ultraviolet light.
Study: Most nursing homes don’t have pandemic flu plans …
Jul 23, 2008
Fewer than a quarter (23%) of all nursing homes have a plan for dealing with a massive flu outbreak, according to a new study. About 25% had a pandemic response as part of a broader overall disaster plan.