from the editor
from the editor
Conflicting Surveys , the Tripledemic Threat , and Revising the Isolation Guideline in the Healthcare Setting
Americans are not concerned about respiratory illness season . Wait , a minute , yes they are .
That was just one week in the news cycle recently , when conflicting results of surveys were released by two major academic medical centers .
On Nov . 14 , Ohio State University reported that despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC )’ s warning that this year will be potentially dangerous for respiratory illnesses , one-third of Americans are not concerned about the threat . The survey found that while the majority of those polled ( 87 percent ) said they do everything they can to avoid spreading seasonal viruses , one-third think their vaccine decision doesn ’ t affect others and that they don ’ t need vaccines for the flu or COVID-19 if they ’ re not at high risk .
Then on Nov . 20 , the University of Pennsylvania released results of a survey showing that more than one-third of American adults are worried that they or someone in their family will get the seasonal flu , COVID-19 , or respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) in the next three months .
So , which is it ? Well , depends on who was surveyed , of course . The challenge is that we see these kinds of surveys frequently in the public health sector , and all they do is confuse consumers more .
And now there have been stern warnings about the “ tripledemic ,” a term used to describe the phenomenon when influenza , RSV and COVID-19 cases collide .
In a media briefing in October , experts from the CDC addressed the three viruses and how best to protect ourselves and others . At the briefing , CDC director Mandy Cohen , MD , MPH , said that clear , simple messaging is of the utmost importance , emphasizing that vaccination is the best strategy . Additionally , there are treatments available for flu and COVID-19 that can reduce severe illness , hospitalization , and death . Testing is still being recommended , as is everyday actions such as appropriate masking , physical distancing when warranted , washing hands , and improving airflow in the places where people live and work , which combined can provide additional layers of protection in the community .
And speaking of respiratory illness , for healthcare settings , there ’ s the promise of updated and revised isolation precautions guidelines from the Healthcare Infection Control Advisory Committee ( HICPAC ) in 2024 . Key updates include revising the conceptual framework for respiratory pathogen transmission , including a continuum of pathogen transmission by air , rather than the dichotomy of “ droplet ” versus “ airborne ” transmission . In this issue , we look at the revision process , proposed changes , and the pre-final draft that has been submitted to the CDC where it will be reviewed as part of the clearance process by program staff and leadership . If the draft is approved by CDC for posting for public comment , the draft will be posted to the Federal Register for 60 days for public review and comment ( likely through January 2024 ).
Until next month , bust those bugs ! Kelly M . Pyrek Editor & Publisher kelly @ healthcarehygienemagazine . com healthcarehygienemagazine
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6 december 2023 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com