A global pandemic has been declared.  How to be prepared and how to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus

Julia S. Garner, RN, MN, and the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee

From the Public Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. Garner JS, Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Commitee. Guideline for isolation precautions in hospitals. I

Officially speaking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hopes to publish revisions to its isolation precautions guideline perhaps before November, spokesperson Nicole Coffin told HCPro last week. There is at least some skepticism about that schedule because the revisions are still under review by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) announced a detailed strategy to combat methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The initiative includes the launch of a national survey on this increasingly prevalent and virulent infection.  

Using conventional loop mops for wet mopping of patient care areas has long been the standard in floor cleaning for janitorial operations in hospitals. However, the health care industry has taken a recent interest in evaluating hard floor maintenance techniques in terms of employee, patient, and environmental health.

What are microfiber mops? These mops consist of a lightweight handle with a very maneuverable flat rectangular head. A microfiber pad attaches to the mop head with velcro. In a typical application, fresh microfiber pads are placed to soak in a basin of cleaning solution on the cleaning cart. In each room, a clean cloth is taken from the basin, hand wrung out, dropped flat on the floor and the mop head is placedon it. The velcro attaches the cloth to the mop, which is then ready for use. In a typical setting, the worker uses 1-2 pads to clean a patient room.

Microfiber cleaning systems provide many advantages; especially in Healthcare situations where a major reduction in cross contamination risk with a much better cleaning efficiency achieved. These advantages include reduced costs & consumption in water, cleaning and disinfecting chemical.

Frequent cleaning using careful processes and well-performing products is essential to preventing cross-contamination...

Hepatitis means "swelling or inflammation" of the Liver. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can cause chronic (ongoing) illness, that may lead to liver disease Unlike HBV and HAV there is no vaccine for HCV. Across the globe it is estimated that 3% of the population are infected with HCV (estimates in the UK range from 0.3-0.7%). This means that for every patient with HIV, there are 4 patients with HCV. Symptons & Progressions of the Virus...

MRSA stands for Methicillin (or Multi) Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is distinguished from other bacteria by its resistance to most antibiotics including all penicillin (methicillin is a form of penicillin) and cephalosporins. Approximately 30% of the population carry MRSA in their noses or on their skin without causing any infections.