Download new Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Services

The Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Medical Services is designed to help EMS system responders apply current scientific knowledge and best practices to improve targeted outcomes and enhance patient safety. Developed by a team of experts in infection prevention, the guide is now available as a free online download.

CRE: The ‘nightmare bacteria’

CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) infections come from bacteria that are normally found in a healthy person’s digestive tract. When a person is receiving serious medical care (for example, involving urinary catheters, intravenous catheters, or surgery) these bacteria can end up where they don’t belong—for example in the bladder or blood. Because these bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics these infections are very difficult to treat. Learn how consumers can play an active role in stopping the spread of CRE.

C. diff prevention activities fail to halt spread of deadly infection: survey

Activities to stop the spread of the intestinal superbug Clostridium difficile are on the rise, but they are not yielding large improvements, according to a nationwide survey of infection preventionists released today by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Download new Guide to Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections

The new edition of the Guide to Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections has been revised and expanded by a team of experts in the field of infection prevention and is now available as a free online download. It features up-to-date research and guidance on the prevention and treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), and incorporates current regulations. Included are an overview of CDI, strategies for prevention, considerations for specific patient populations, and evolving practices. 

March issue of AJIC highlights multidrug-resistant organisms

The March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes a major article on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), as well as several others on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 

CDC issues Vital Signs report on CRE and urges action to stop their spread

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Vital Signs report on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) with a call to action for the entire healthcare community to work urgently to protect patients from these life-threatening bacteria.

Superbug CRE may endure in patients one year after initial infection: study

Patients who tested positive for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) took an average of 387 days following hospital discharge to be clear of the organism, according to a new study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 

Outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics—what you need to know

What is the difference between outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics? What do consumers need to know to be best prepared? The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) presents some practical information so everyone can feel most prepared. 

CDC: Hospitals report reductions in some types of HAIs

Download Annual Conference online brochure

Study: Infection preventionists know safe care

There is general agreement among hospital infection preventionists (IPs) with respect to which practices have weak or strong evidence supporting their use to prevent healthcare-associated infection, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 

February issue of AJIC highlights prevention of CLABSI

The February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes articles that focus on prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and other important topics.

Trace the history of APIC

Trace the history of APIC

Top 10 ways to prevent infection in the New Year

The idea of a new year represents a fresh start and an opportunity to make resolutions to achieve specific goals. What about setting some New Year’s resolutions to prevent infections before they ever happen to you? Beyond the obvious—steering clear of runny noses and hacking coughs—the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) presents some other practical ways of staying infection-free. 

Protect yourself from flu this season

The flu is widespread this season, and according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most of the country is experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness. The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and antiviral treatment as early as possible for people who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.

Norovirus: How you can stay safe

Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed. This leads you to have stomach pain, nauseau, diarrhea, and to throw up.

January issue of AJIC highlights use of personal protective equipment

The January 2013 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes articles that focus on various aspects of personal protective equipment and its relationship to infection prevention. To learn more and access the articles, view the Table of Contents.

Disinfection caps cut CLABSI cases in half

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) dropped by 52 percent when an alcohol-impregnated disinfection cap was used instead of standard scrubbing protocol, according to a new study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). 

2013 NHSN HAI definition changes

Surveillance changes will be occurring in CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) beginning January 1, 2013. APIC members will find it helpful to review the CDC's NHSN training course which summarizes these changes. Particularly helpful sections include the summary of surveillance changes for 2013 and the table outlining examples of new key terms for 2013. Refer to the December 2012 issue of NHSN e-News for additional details on the changes. Questions can be directed to nhsn@cdc.gov.

December issue of AJIC highlights infection prevention and the environment

The December issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes articles that focus on various aspects of infection prevention and the environment of care. To learn more and access the articles, view the Table of Contents.