In a nutshell… This article provides a comparison of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and influenza including how the diseases spread and affect human populations. Many of the steps people can take to avoid these illnesses are similar and are outlined here. This man is correct in covering his sneeze, as both the influenza virus
In a nutshell… Drinking water chlorination requires balancing well-known risks of waterborne disease with potential long-term risks of exposure to disinfection byproducts (DBPs). This article highlights how the spread of misleading communications about DBP research can weaken public support for drinking water chlorination. We’ve written extensively about drinking water chlorination, ranging from its remarkable
In a nutshell… The “12 Ways to Health” is a song that promotes a dozen strategies for staying healthy during the holidays. It is a production of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and sung to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “Ways to health” include hand-washing, bundling up for warmth, managing
When tackling household cleaning chores, soap and water and a little “elbow grease” are sufficient for ridding many surfaces of dirt and grime. When cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces, however, disinfectants are needed to destroy bacteria and viruses like E. coli, norovirus, salmonella and listeria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other microorganisms that can spread illness.
As millions of Americans dust off their cookbooks and browse recipe websites to prepare festive holiday meals, a new survey reveals that 1 in 3 Americans is concerned about getting food poisoning due to someone else’s poor kitchen hygiene. The survey found that concern is warranted, as many home cooks engage in bad hygiene and
Spreading the gift of safely managed drinking water and sanitation to the developing world is fundamental to helping people everywhere live healthy and productive lives. But despite the rapid pace of science and technology in the fields of water and wastewater treatment, some 6,000 children around the world die every day from a water-related illness.1
UK “Brexit” discussions are sprinkled with speculation about allowing imports of “chlorinated chicken” from the US under a potential revised trade agreement. What is chlorinated chicken and why is the topic so controversial? According to the National Chicken Council (NCC), a “chlorinated chicken” is a chlorine-washed chicken, one that has been rinsed with chlorinated water.
Our friend and colleague, Ms. Barbara M. Soule, was recognized for her extraordinary career in infection prevention and control during the 2019 Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) annual meeting in Philadelphia. The Liberty View Event Center, with its perfect view of Independence Hall, was the special setting for the June 13, 2019 festivities. The event marked Ms. Soule’s upcoming retirement at the end of 2019 as a consultant for Joint Commission Resources and Joint Commission International. As part of the evening program, Ms. Soule was interviewed on topics including highlights of her career, lessons learned, and the future of the field of infection prevention and control.
A Florida dad recently dove into a backyard pool, clearing a 4-foot high safety fence in his path to save his 1-year-old son from drowning. The boy had wandered inside a pool fence, which unfortunately did not completely surround the pool. In an instant the boy had fallen into the water. News and video of that heroic rescue were broadcast widely, including the dad’s honest admission that the fence configuration was not completely secure.
Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death of children of ages 1 – 4, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and shockingly, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating “layers of protection” to keep toddlers safe around pools. These include: secure pool fencing; alarms on pools, doors, and gates; pool covers; window guards for windows that face the pool; designated “Water Watchers” to pay constant attention to children in the water; life jackets; CPR training for parents, caregivers, and pool owners; and swimming lessons.
Americans will soon head to the pool as Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer swim season fun, but a new survey finds that many knowingly contribute to making pools dirty – a practice that can lead to bad pool chemistry for everyone in the water. The survey found that more than half of