Pandemic persists in nursing homes with low vax rates; case counts rising, NIC analyst says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 23, 2021
Half of the U.S. skilled nursing facilities with newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in early August had staff vaccination rates 12% below the national average, new data show. At the same time, overall per-resident...
Surveyed seniors suggest ageism played part in pandemic mitigation strategies
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 18, 2021
A large survey from Ireland sheds light not only on the challenges posed for older adults by the pandemic, but on their hopes, determination — and one of their biggest pet peeves. (Hint: it’s a...
Seniors more fearful of falling after months of low physical activity
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2021
More than a quarter of older adults say they are in worse physical condition now than before the pandemic, and nearly half age 65 and older have become more afraid of falling, a new poll finds.
Screen older adults for pandemic-related mental health concerns, researchers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 29, 2021
Twenty percent of older poll respondents reported worse mental health, including sleep troubles, depression and anxiety. Screening for symptoms and ensuring accessible treatment will help prevent long-term...
There has been a steady increase in non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses since federal and local authorities began lifting pandemic mitigation measures in early 2021, the agency says.
CDC: Portable air cleaners cut exposure to COVID-19 virus by 65 percent
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 06, 2021
In a simulated meeting with infected and uninfected participants, properly placed portable air cleaners with HEPA air filters slashed virus transmission. Adding masks was even more effective — cutting...
Diaries of infection preventionists offer peek into pandemic struggles
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 06, 2021
Real-time reports from the height of the pandemic offer a glimpse into the highs and lows infection preventionists faced as they tackled unprecedented challenges.
Feds revoke emergency use of some respirators, mask decontamination in healthcare settings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 02, 2021
Healthcare personnel are no longer authorized to use certain respirators not approved by NIOSH or technology for cleaning disposable masks, the FDA says.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, July 1
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 01, 2021
AHCA vows to continue push toward 75% staff vaccination goal … Spikevax? Moderna, Pfizer wait for vaccine brand name approval in U.S. … Older women lost muscle strength, aerobic capacity during pandemic,...
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, June 30
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 30, 2021
Argentum throws support behind Nurses Care Act, qualifying TNAs beyond pandemic … Moderna’s COVID shot effective against Delta variant in lab study … ‘Biased and misleading’: No holds barred...