Smoking linked to mutations that give MRSA staying power
New research might make facilities rethink smoke breaks for employees and residents.
MRSA
A MRSA vaccine may be on the horizon
If a MRSA vaccine could be developed for adults, it could potentially save nursing homes a lot of money, not to mention reset some of our infection control protocols.
Antibiotics in LTC: Changing from ‘Just in case’ to ‘Only when needed’
Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the most common cause of death was infection. There was no good treatment for pneumonia, complications of urine or ear infections were common, and many people died of simple wounds.
A horizontal approach to infection preparedness
Today’s growing concerns surrounding infectious risks such as Ebola, EVD-68, and flu are excellent examples of why proactive horizontal approaches to infection prevention and implementing proven prevention practices on a daily basis are so important, because the reality is that long-term care facilities and the populations they serve are at inherently increased risk of infection.
MRSA often lurks in groin
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization is common in groin and rectal areas, especially in men, new research shows.
Infectious diseases specialists vital in LTC facilities
Coping with the complicated management of infectious diseases is among the many challenges facing long-term care facilities today. Residents with multiple comorbidities often are prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics and it seems as though methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other (increasingly) drug-resistant bugs are everywhere. Outbreaks are common, ranging from norovirus and influenza to Clostridium difficile and scabies.
Also in the news for August 8, 2014 . . .
Severe Vitamin D deficiency increases dementia risk by 125%, historically large study shows … Stress helps wound healing? … Government approves new MRSA drug
CDC releases HAI Data: How are we doing?
For many years, healthcare institutions have been focused on different ways to decrease HAIs, as federal reimbursement initiatives loomed. So, what does this report card tell us? We’ve come a long way, baby, but there’s still a ways to go.
Also in the news for June 20, 2014 . . .
Senate bill for risk-adjusted hospital readmissions penalties … New guidelines for treating MRSA skin infections … CMS announces 5-star ratings for home health … PERS product recall
Also in the news for May 28, 2014 . . .
MRSA drug gains approval through govt’s rapid process … Kindred blasts Gentiva over ‘poison pill’ … Improved vision increases seniors’ fall risk? … Observation stays for falls increase in WA
