Category: Infection Control and Prevention

Celebrating Black History and Advancing Health Equity for Safer Patient Care

Dr. TaRessa Wills

  February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout United States history. This year, CDC’s Project Firstline had the privilege of speaking with Dr. TaRessa Wills, a Black female physician, about what the observance means to her and the importance of advancing health equity to Read More >

Posted on by Mia Frederick and Brittney Foster1 CommentTags , ,

In case you missed it: Fireside Chat with CDC Director on Respiratory Virus Season

A CDC & AMA Fireside Chat

Respiratory infections such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to spread within communities and healthcare settings. In a recent webinar with CDC’s Project Firstline and the American Medical Association (AMA), CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen discussed the impacts of the current respiratory virus season, the importance of vaccination, and the importance Read More >

Posted on by Amy Kolwaite, PhD, ARNP, MPH, CAPT, US Public Health Service, Chief of Health Systems Strengthening, Resilience, and Training BranchTags

Healthcare Worker Vaccination is Important for Respiratory Virus Season

Healthcare worker rolls up her sleeve to show off bandaid after getting vaccinations

Respiratory virus season is here. As a healthcare worker, you play a critical role in slowing and preventing the spread of viral respiratory infections, including flu and COVID-19. Like hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning and disinfection, vaccination is a critical tool in our infection control toolbox. Getting recommended vaccines in combination Read More >

Posted on by Janet Glowicz, PhD, RN, Infection Preventionist with Project Firstline in CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion2 CommentsTags ,

I Want My Sepsis Experience to Help Save Lives

Katy Grainger, Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors

In 2018, I got a small infection on my thumb that looked unusual, so I visited an emergency room. All my vital signs were strong at the time, and there was no indication that the infection had progressed or that my body had developed sepsis. Over the next 36 hours, I developed several of the Read More >

Posted on by Katy Grainger, Sepsis Survivor, double amputee, patient advocate and member of Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors13 CommentsTags , , ,

Reminder: Infection Control Actions to Take During Respiratory Virus Season

Last year’s considerable respiratory virus season saw spread of COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which led to extra stress on an already overwhelmed healthcare system. When respiratory viruses are spreading in the community, the risk for spread in healthcare settings increases as well. Remember: Regardless of your healthcare setting or which respiratory viruses are spreading in Read More >

Posted on by Mike Bell, MD1 CommentTags ,