Grand Rounds: What keeps you up at night?
Join the KyIP team as they present on pathogens that keep them up at night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vindxEyWUhw
Influenza Updates for 2026
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…
Information on Influenza For Long-Term Care Healthcare Workers
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…
Information on Influenza For Long-Term Care Patients and Families
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., &…
Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections in Chronic Hemodialysis Registration
Join KyIP Training Center as they host guest speakers Dr. Teshome and Dr. Kindler for a session on Catheter-related bloodstream infections. CRBSI remain a serious complication for patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. This session will explore the clinical and infection prevention aspects of CRBSI to equip healthcare providers with practical knowledge and evidence-based strategies.Topics include:Challenges of vascular access optionsHemodialysis with a central venous catheter (CVC)Pathophysiology of CRBSIManagement, outcomes, and economic impact of CRBSIPrevention strategies, goals, and guidelinesRegistration InformationDate Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm ESTFormat: Live webinar + Q&ARegister Now This is a free event. Registration is required. Click to Register About the SpeakersBesu F. Teshome, PharmD, MSc, BCPS, is a Medical Science Director at CorMedix Therapeutics, engaging healthcare providers across Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Louisiana to advance antimicrobial…
Grand Rounds: IV to PO in Urine Source Gram-Negative Bacteremia
Join Matt Song PharmD, BCIDP as he discusses the guidelines for de-escalation from IV to PO antibiotics in gram-negative bacteremia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dji60nUGaI
2025 Year in Review
2025 has been a busy year for KyIP! Our team published 28 free CE modules on Continuing Education Library - Kentucky Infection Prevention Training Center, bringing the total to over 90 available courses! We hosted IP Boot Camp earlier this year, where over 350 were trained and over 1300 CE hours were claimed.Within KyIP, we’ve connected with over 200 healthcare staff members during in-person simulation training. Our team will complete the 17th Grand Rounds Session on 12/17. Employees from Norton Infectious Diseases and the Kentucky Department for Public Health presented via webinars discussing HIV, measles, and wastewater surveillance.Our team attended Infection Prevention Week at Owensboro Health, where they connected with nearly 200 healthcare workers. KyIP had over a dozen education consults, which led to the development of infection prevention training…
Lessons Learned & Best Practices for Measles Cases in Healthcare Settings
Lessons Learned & Best Practice Measles Cases in Healthcare Settings Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases, and recent outbreaks have highlighted the importance of vigilance across healthcare and public health. This webinar provides Kentucky healthcare providers and public health professionals with the latest updates on measles activity and practical strategies for preparedness and response.Join us for an in-depth discussion on identifying, reporting, and preventing measles in healthcare and community settings. Click here to view more continuing education Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:Describe the recent epidemiology of measles in Kentucky and the U.S. and lessons learned from recent cases and outbreaksIdentify the role of healthcare facilities in responding to suspect measles casesApply best practices for collaborating with Public Health when suspect…
Antibiotic Awareness Week
Kentucky currently has one of the highest antibiotic prescribing rates in the nation, with 1,089 prescriptions per 1,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This rate exceeds the national average and highlights an urgent need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship efforts across the state. Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat. Infection Preventionists play a critical role in stewardship efforts. They are uniquely positioned to educate both clinical staff and patients about the risks of inappropriate antibiotic use and to reinforce that most respiratory infections—such as viral bronchitis, colds, and the flu—do not require antibiotics. IPs can help dispel myths and clarify that supportive care, not antibiotics, is the standard for viral illnesses. In addition to education, IPs should…