Tag

Infection Prevention

All articles tagged with #infection prevention

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Toothbrushing in Hospitals Slashes Pneumonia Risk by 60%

A three-hospital Australian study found that giving admitted patients toothbrushes and toothpaste, plus education and prompts to brush, increased daily tooth-brushing from 16% to 62% and reduced non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia by 60%, suggesting simple oral-care routines can significantly cut pneumonia risk in hospitals and should be monitored and included in infection-prevention guidelines; patients can help by brushing themselves or asking staff for assistance.

via ScienceAlert|

#health #hospital-acquired-pneumonia #infection-prevention

wellbeing1 month ago•18 min saved

Heat or Cold: Quick Relief for Mosquito Bite Itch

The simple trick to stop a mosquito bite from itching is to apply heat or cold to the bite. These methods help curb the urge to scratch and reduce the risk of skin infection, though they won’t speed up healing.

via The Washington Post|

#cold-therapy #heat-therapy #infection-prevention

health6 months ago•5 min saved

Winter vomiting bug surge prompts NHS alert as cases rise

Norovirus cases are rising in the UK, putting extra pressure on the NHS with four trusts declaring critical incidents. The highly infectious winter vomiting bug spreads through close contact, contaminated surfaces, food, and water, prompting Health Security Agency guidance that handwashing with soap and warm water is essential (not alcohol gel). Those affected should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms end, avoid handling food, and refrain from visiting vulnerable people in hospitals or care homes.

via The Independent|

#handwashing #health #infection-prevention

health6 months ago•4 min saved

WHO recommends replacing face masks with respirators for better protection

A group of experts has urged the WHO to replace surgical masks with respirator-level masks for healthcare workers, citing inadequate protection from surgical masks against airborne pathogens like COVID-19, and emphasizing that respirators offer significantly better filtration and safety.

via The Guardian|

#covid-19 #face-masks #health

health6 months ago•4 min saved

Experts Reveal Key Tips to Prevent Norovirus Spread During Winter

With rising norovirus cases, infectious disease doctors recommend hand washing with soap and water, avoiding sick individuals, disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and wearing masks when caring for someone sick to reduce transmission, although the CDC primarily emphasizes hand hygiene and surface cleaning.

via Prevention|

#disinfection #hand-washing #health

health9 months ago•4 min saved

Avoid This Mistake After a Mosquito Bite

To properly care for mosquito bites, avoid scratching to prevent infection and worsening symptoms. Instead, clean the area, apply ice, and use anti-itch creams or DIY remedies. Monitor for symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika or West Nile virus, and seek medical attention if necessary.

via buzzfeed.com|

#health #infection-prevention #itching

health9 months ago•0 min saved

Nasal Sprays as a Potential Shield Against COVID-19

Some nasal sprays may help protect against COVID-19 by blocking bacteria and viruses from reaching the nasal lining, potentially preventing infection.

via The Washington Post|

#covid-19 #health #infection-prevention

health9 months ago•3 min saved

CDC Warns of Rising Threat from Dangerous Drug-Resistant Bacteria

The CDC reports a dramatic 460% increase in infections caused by the drug-resistant bacteria NDM-CRE in the U.S., raising concerns about treatment challenges and the need for cautious antibiotic use and hygiene practices, especially among vulnerable populations.

via Los Angeles Times|

#antibiotic-resistance #health #infection-prevention

health10 months ago•5 min saved

Protecting Yourself from Vibrio vulnificus in Coastal Waters

The article warns about the rising risk of Vibrio vulnificus infections from coastal waters, especially during summer, and provides safety tips such as avoiding seawater with open wounds, cooking shellfish thoroughly, and being cautious in high-risk groups like the elderly and immunocompromised.

via ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4|

#coastal-waters #health #infection-prevention

health11 months ago•3 min saved

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Risks in Gulf Coast Waters

Flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus bacteria have caused several deaths in Florida and Louisiana this summer. The bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters and can infect through open wounds or by eating contaminated raw shellfish. To reduce risk, avoid raw shellfish, cover wounds, and steer clear of warm coastal waters if you have open cuts or underlying health conditions. Prompt medical attention is crucial if infection signs appear.

via yahoo.com|

#flesh-eating-bacteria #health #infection-prevention

health1 year ago•1 min saved

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Causes Multiple Deaths in Florida Coastal Waters in 2025

A case of flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, has resulted in one death in Broward County, South Florida, with a total of 11 cases reported across the state in 2025. The bacterium, found in warm seawater and shellfish, can cause severe illness, especially through raw shellfish consumption or open wounds exposed to saltwater. Preventative measures include thoroughly cooking shellfish and avoiding contact with contaminated water or raw seafood.

via WPLG Local 10|

#flesh-eating-bacteria #health #infection-prevention

health1 year ago•5 min saved

Oncologists Urged to Address Antimicrobial Resistance as a Critical Cancer Care Crisis

Oncologists are urged to recognize antimicrobial resistance as a critical crisis impacting cancer treatment, with studies showing cancer patients are at higher risk of resistant infections, which threaten to undermine advances in cancer therapies. The article emphasizes the need for integrated efforts across disciplines to improve infection control, develop new antibiotics, and update treatment guidelines to address this emerging threat.

via STAT|

#antimicrobial-resistance #cancer-care #health

health1 year ago•1 min saved

West Nile Virus Detected in Cincinnati and Cumberland County Mosquitoes in 2025

The Cincinnati Health Department confirmed the first West Nile virus detection in the city in 2025, with a mosquito in Madisonville testing positive. Authorities advise residents to prevent infection by eliminating standing water and using repellents, especially during dawn and dusk. Last year, Cincinnati reported 24 positive mosquito pools but no human cases, with the last human infection in 2015.

via WKRC|

#cincinnati #health #infection-prevention

health1 year ago•6 min saved

Scientists Explore Vitamins' Role in Fighting Infections

Vitamins are essential for immune function and can help fight infections, especially in cases of deficiency, but their effectiveness as a preventive measure for infections in healthy individuals is uncertain and mixed. Overuse of supplements can be harmful, and they should complement, not replace, other proven health measures like vaccines and good hygiene.

via SciTechDaily|

#health #immune-system #infection-prevention

health1 year ago•4 min saved

Hand Sanitizer's Effectiveness Against Germs: What You Should Know

Hand sanitizer is convenient but not always effective against all germs, especially non-enveloped viruses, spores, and parasites. Proper hand washing with soap and water is preferred when possible, and hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol, be used thoroughly, and not replace good hygiene practices like avoiding touching the face and disinfecting surfaces. Hand sanitizer is a useful backup when soap and water aren't available, but it doesn't eliminate all pathogens.

via HuffPost|

#effectiveness #germs #hand-sanitizer