06
Mar
2020
Public Health

Comparing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Influenza
21
Feb
2020
Preventing Infection
by Heather Murphy, PhD, P Eng, and Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

Can Coronavirus Spread through Defective Bathroom Sewage Pipes?

In a nutshell… New concerns have arisen about the potential spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 through improperly connected bathroom sewage pipes in an apartment building in Hong Kong. This article discusses how this new type of transmission could take place, which if confirmed, emphasizes the importance of maintaining properly installed residential drain plumbing to help... Read More »
31
Jan
2020
Public Health
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH, and Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

Coronavirus: What is it and How Can We Prevent its Spread?

In a nutshell… This article provides an update on the coronavirus outbreak that began in central China at the end of 2019 and is currently sweeping the globe. Information on the “2019 Novel Coronavirus” is provided, including its likely animal origin, symptoms, how it is spread, and most importantly, how to help prevent its spread.... Read More »
17
Jan
2020
Child Care
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

RSV Cases on the Rise

In a nutshell… Cases of the contagious viral respiratory illness known as RSV are on the increase in the U.S. This article provides general and practical information on RSV, including national statistics, symptoms, warning signs of severe infection, and prevention.   This winter doctors are reporting a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial (pronounced sin-SISH-uhl)... Read More »
03
Jan
2020
Preventing Infection
by Water Quality & Health Council

Germ Prevention: Don’t Regift Germs This Holiday Season

In a nutshell… Holiday gatherings are prime locations for “re-gifting” germs. A free, downloadable Cover Your Cough coloring page from the CDC illustrates strategies to prevent the spread of germs. Children may color the germ prevention page and learn to cover coughs and sneezes and to wash their hands correctly. This article provides directions for... Read More »
27
Dec
2019
Public Health
by Water Quality & Health Council

Staying Healthy During the Holidays with “12 Ways to Health”

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... Read More »
20
Dec
2019
Disinfect for Health
by Joan B. Rose, PhD, and Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

What’s in Your Showerhead?

In a nutshell… Showerheads provide an ideal environment for some bacteria to grow. Most of those bacteria are harmless, but some can cause serious lung and other infections in persons with lung disease or weak immune systems, such as hospital patients. This article provides an overview of “showerhead safety.”   Tip: When removing a showerhead... Read More »
13
Dec
2019
Food Safety
by Linda Golodner, Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD, and Guest Author Edgar Chambers IV, PhD

Food Safety Tips in Recipes Help Avoid Food Poisoning

In a nutshell… A survey conducted by the Water Quality & Health Council found consumers fear getting sick from their holiday hosts’ poor kitchen hygiene. Survey statistics confirm unsafe food practices, but also that most people follow recipes. Research shows when food safety tips are included in recipes, safe food handling improves.   Holidays and... Read More »
29
Nov
2019
Bleach
by Water Quality & Health Council

What Can You Safely Mix with Bleach?

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.... Read More »
22
Nov
2019
Preventing Infection
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

Preventing the Spread of C. diff Bacteria

“C. diff” is the antimicrobial-resistant bacteria Clostridioides difficile.1 It causes symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. diff causes about half a million illnesses and nearly 15,000 deaths annually. People of any age may become sick. C. diff infections cost Americans about $5.4 billion annually. C. diff is passed from person to person by the oral-fecal route. That is why it is important to wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating meals. ... Read More »