Author: Chelsea Song

Healthcare personnel understand the importance of PPE in preventing the spread of infection.  Although, selecting and correctly using protective equipment is essential to safeguard both patients and staff, proper removal of PPE is a critical step that is often overlooked. After providing patient care, PPE should be removed in a careful and deliberate sequence to avoid self-contamination. Once their interaction with a patient is finished, staff may mistakenly assume the highest-risk portion of care is over. In reality, most self-contamination occurs during the PPE removal process. Common mistakes during PPE removal include taking items off in the incorrect order, contaminating surfaces while doffing, and improperly disposing of soiled PPE.  Numerous studies show that many healthcare workers do not follow the correct removal sequence, and even among those who do, most…

As flu season intensifies, infection preventionists remain central to protecting patients and healthcare teams. The CDC has classified this season as moderately severe, with more than 5,000 deaths, including nine pediatric deaths, one in Kentucky. Vaccination continues to be the strongest defense, and the CDC recommends that everyone aged ≥6 months, barring medical contraindications, receive the influenza vaccine. Current influenza vaccines are produced using egg‑based, cell‑based, and recombinant technologies. Egg‑based production—still the most common—grows viruses in fertilized chicken eggs, while cell‑based vaccines use mammalian cell cultures, and recombinant vaccines use genetic sequencing rather than live virus growth. Since the 2023-2024 influenza season, the CDC no longer recommends additional safety measures for individuals with egg allergies as evidence shows severe allergic reactions are unlikely. Each year global surveillance data, genetic and…

Your Role in Stopping Flu Starts with Immunization This flu season is projected to hit harder, with 20% more cases than last year. Facilities like ours face unique challenges—close contact with vulnerable patients means higher risk of exposure and transmission. Why your flu shot matters: Protect patients: Residents depend on us to keep them safe. Most flu deaths occur in people 65+. Reduce staffing disruptions: Flu-related illness can lead to extended sick leave, call-outs, and staffing shortages—impacting patient care. Stay healthy and available: Immunization decreases severity and helps prevent hospital visits. Professional consensus: The AMA, American College of Cardiology, IDSA, and American College of Physicians all strongly recommend flu immunization for healthcare workers. Last year, two-thirds of hospitalized flu patients were not immunized. Protect yourself, your team, and your patients—get…

Protect Yourself and Your Community This Flu Season Flu season in the U.S. is expected to be more severe than last year, following trends in Australia and the UK where cases are unusually high. Experts predict 20% more infections this year. Why immunization matters: Older adults are most at risk: 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people 65 or older. Prevents serious illness: The flu vaccine reduces severity and lowers the chance of hospitalization by 30–40%. Protects your neighbors: In long-term care settings, flu spreads quickly. Immunization helps stop transmission. Last year, two-thirds of hospitalized flu patients were not vaccinated. Getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to stay healthy and protect those around you. References Heidenreich, P. A., Bhatt, A., Nazir, N. T., Schaffner, W., &…