This issue covers some of the most significant news from December. Topics include N95s, COVID-19 testing, sharps safety, antibiotic resistance, and flushed toilets.
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Study: Wearing Surgical Masks Over N95s Can Cause Dangerous Leaks — A study showed that for optimal protection against respiratory pathogens, procedure masks should not be worn over N95 filtering facepiece respirators.
The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Yes, N95s Are Still Superior to Surgical Masks — It is important to understand when reviewing data that study bias can have "dangerous consequences." A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine receiving significant attention was challenged by Dr. Leana Wen in this column. She pointed out noteworthy flaws in the study's design. ICCS endorses the continued use of N95 masks during respiratory pandemics for superior protection.
Pre-Procedure and Pre-Admission COVID-19 Testing No Longer Recommended for Asymptomatic Patients — Rather than routinely screen symptom-free patients for COVID-19 upon admission or prior to surgical procedures, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America advised healthcare facilities to rely on enhanced layers of infection prevention interventions.
Sharps Safety Guidelines — This column outlined key sharps safety guidelines in conjunction with International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month.
WHO Report Shows Rising Antibiotic Resistance, Need for Better Data — Key takeaway from this new WHO report: "This report supports the view that antimicrobial resistance represents a global health security threat requiring concerted cross-sectional action by governments and different stakeholders in society."
Masks for COVID Also Prevented Pertussis — Research found that public health prevention measures taken during the COVID pandemic led to a dramatic drop in whooping cough cases in a large health system.
Providers Have Big Shoes to Fill With Infection Preventionists — A McKnight's article notes that while infection preventionists should now be in all of the nation's nursing homes, IPs should expect their responsibilities to grow as the industry grapples with workforce issues.
Scientists Shine a Light on What Comes Up When the Toilet is Flushed — Important research, with this key takeaway: "While these results may be disconcerting, the study provides experts in plumbing and public health with a consistent way to test improved plumbing design and disinfection and ventilation strategies, in order to reduce exposure risk to pathogens in public restrooms."