19
Jan
2018
Preventing Infection

Driving the C. diff Infection Rate in Hospitals to Zero

05
Jan
2018
Flu
by Water Quality & Health Council

What is Flu and How Does it Spread?

As we begin the New Year, flu is spreading in the US. The map below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website shows the current geographic distribution of flu. Media coverage of this phenomenon, and unfortunately, our own experience with flu, lead many to ask, “What is flu, and how does it spread?”... Read More »
29
Dec
2017
Flu
by Water Quality & Health Council

Hand-washing for the Holidays is for the Whole Family

As we gather to celebrate the holidays, the “gifts” we least hope to share are the unseen pathogens that cause colds, flu and other illnesses. Holiday gatherings are prime venues for gift-exchange and, unfortunately, pathogen-exchange.... Read More »
08
Dec
2017
Preventing Infection
by Bruce K. Bernard, PhD

After All These Years, Was My Mom Right about Removing Your Shoes When Entering a Home?

My mother always made us take our shoes off just inside the doors of our home. Did that make scientific sense back then or now? Although most of us would not track wet, sandy or muddy shoes into living quarters, many of us routinely make an entrance wearing shoes that are dry and free of... Read More »
03
Nov
2017
Flu
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

The Coming Flu Season

Are you ready for the coming flu season? “Down under” in Australia where it is springtime, the number of flu cases has doubled over last season’s total. Could that be an indication of what we might expect soon in the northern hemisphere? According to self-proclaimed flu-ologist Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the US National Institute... Read More »
22
Sep
2017
Outbreaks
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

Getting Hepatitis A Off the Streets of San Diego

A Hepatitis A outbreak centered on homeless and illicit drug-using populations in the County of San Diego, California, has prompted a public health emergency. Headline-grabbing responses by local officials describe washing the streets and sidewalks with chlorine bleach solution, aggressively vaccinating the vulnerable populations, and distributing personal hygiene kits. What caused this local outbreak and... Read More »
21
Jul
2017
Preventing Infection
by Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

Keeping Your Reusable Water Bottle Clean

The reusable water bottle is one of those “grab and go” items that travel with many of us on a daily basis. The filled water bottle provides a handy means of hydrating on the spot. As we’ve noted, many water fountains now conveniently include water bottle-filling features. There’s just one caveat to deriving the maximum health... Read More »
30
Jun
2017
Emergency Preparedness
by Water Quality & Health Council

Three Tips to Help You Prepare for a Home Water Emergency

Water flows into your home on a daily basis for essential uses, but how much do you know about your water supply and its circulation through your living space? Are you ready for a household water emergency? These tips can help you prepare for the unexpected. Know how to turn it off: In the event of... Read More »