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The infant was fretful and screaming after she gave him his injection. Since she did not bring the portable sharps container to the isolette, she quickly recapped the used syringe, and in her haste, she poked her finger with the needle. She grabbed some gauze and wrapped her finger before she bundled him up tightly to soothe his agitation. Born to an addicted mother, the baby was constantly irritable and had tremors - swaddling him seemed to comfort him some. The nurse, however, will not find comfort so easily. As a transport RN, he was doing his morning check off in the ambulance. He saw the sharps container needed to be changed out and when he went to grab the container, he was poked with a dirty sharps. Whoever put in the last syringe did not dispose of it properly and the needle was sticking out of the top. She was deaccessing a mediport without assistance from another coworker to help hold the child still. The child hit her hand and she stabbed herself with the needle. He was disposing of the biohazard waste. During a code, someone had thrown sharps into the biohazard bin. As the bin was emptied, a needle poked through the box and stabbed his hand. The surgeon dropped the sharps during handoff, slicing the first assistant's finger. An anesthesiologist left an ART line induction needle on the bed and an OR tech was stabbed by the needle while transferring the patient to the stretcher. The horror stories are miles long. The lives of those who are on the receiving end of a sharps injury are now at risk for life-threatening health problems. Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV are a very real result of a sharps injury that could absolutely have been prevented. The CDC estimates an average between 600,000 to 800,000 needle sticks (NS) occur annually (roughly 1/2 of all NS injuries go unreported). The statistics for contracting an infection are also staggering: The CDC reports:1 in 300 injuries from NS will result in HIV infection5.4 in 300 will result in Hep C infection69 - 186 out of 300 will result in Hep B infectionUnfortunately, the numbers in these statistics will place nurses at a higher risk than other health care employees. Nurses are by far the highest risk group! Here are the collected stats for the highest risk groups from the CDC:Nurses (44%)Residents (10%)Physicians (9%)Housekeeping (5%)Students (2%)Sharps, NS injuries, and bloodborne exposures are all mandated reportable injuries to OSHA each year. Hospitals and clinics can be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for violations for failing to protect staff for injuries related to sharps or needlesticks. In fact, did you know that OSHA has a Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act? This act (in summary) requires certain employers to:Have an exposure control plan that is reviewed and updated as needed to reflect changes in technology, etc., as well as document consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices;Maintain a sharps injury log that includes incident information (i.e., the type and brand of device used, where the injury occurred, and an explanation of the incident); andEncourage injured health care workers input on engineering and work practice controlsRequires such modifications of the standard to:be in force until superseded by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor under OSHA; andtake effect without regard to specified procedural requirements.So, how can you make a difference at your job to decrease the incidence of bloodborne exposures, sharps and needlestick injuries? Let's start with the basics:Protect yourself, your coworkers, and your patients!Whenever possible, use sharps with safety featuresWash your hands at least 15 seconds before and after you care for your patientAlways wear gloves if blood or body fluids are presentUse gowns and face and eye protectionAlways properly dispose of sharps in the proper containerAdditional resources and information:The CDC has created a Stop Sticks Campaign you might want to implement at your place of employment. The goal is to reduce sharps injuries and help organizations create a culture of safety. To find more information on this campaign that you can customize to the needs of your place of employment, visit CDC - Stop Sticks - NIOSH. Now, ask yourself ...As a nurse or student nurse, what are your thoughts on sharps safety?Were you aware of the statistics listed above?Were you aware of the infection risks from a sharps/NS injury?What have you seen at your place of employment that would be an example of a safety of culture or a lack of safety?What do you think would improve practice at your place of employment?Do you have any stories (good or bad) to share?Remember, this life you save may be your own! References Bloodborne pathogens. - 1910.1030 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration Summary of H.R. 5178 (16th): Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act - GovTrack.us CDC - Stop Sticks - NIOSH
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Okay, so maybe it's not time to toss out your N-95. However, a recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association shows an overall decline of TB cases. The organizations also report that TB cases following occupational exposure have dropped, too. This new information has created a few updated recommendations All healthcare personnel should get a baseline TB risk assessment, screening for symptoms, and TB skin or blood test upon hire Annual testing is not recommended for healthcare personnel unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission in your facility Personnel with an untreated latent TB infection should be screened each year for symptoms and treatment is highly-encouraged All staff should receive yearly TB education, which includes information about risk factors, TB infection control policies and procedures, and a list of signs and symptoms Personnel with a positive TB skin or blood test should be evaluated for symptoms and have a chest x-ray performed to rule out the disease Understanding Your Risk Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. TB is spread through tiny droplets that are released into the air following sneezing and coughing. Once it's in the air, the droplets can be breathed in by others, and they can become infected. The disease was once thought to be rare in developed countries. However with the increase of HIV, it gained momentum in the mid-1980s. The disease is difficult to treat because many drugs have become resistant. Treatment can take several months, and the patient will need to be separated from others until they are no longer actively contagious. Symptoms Active TB creates severed illness. It can make you sick shortly after you contract the condition, or it can make you sick years later. The main signs and symptoms include: Coughing up blood Persistent cough (lasting three or more weeks) Chest pain Fatigue Unintentional weight loss Fever Night sweats Loss of appetite Chills TB can also remain in your body in an inactive or latent state. This means that you have the bacteria in your body. However, the disease doesn't make you ill. Latent TB can become active, so it's important for people who have latent TB to receive treatment to decrease the spread of the illness. What Are The High-Risk Populations? You may be at an increased risk of contracting TB if you work with high-risk populations. Here are a few populations you need to consider: Patients with Weakened Immune Systems Your immune system helps to keep you safe from TB and other infections. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be at an increased risk of contracting the condition. Pediatric or geriatric populations A few diseases that can put you and your patients at a higher risk include: HIV/AIDS Malnutrition Diabetes Severe kidney disease Drugs used to treat RA, Psoriasis, or Crohn's Chemotherapy drugs Certain cancers Drugs used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs Traveling to Foreign Areas TB runs rampant in some under-developed areas. If you or your patient has been to one of these areas, you may need to consider the possibility of TB: Latin America Russia Africa Asia Caribbean Islands Other Populations There are a few situations that can also place patients at an increased risk of contracting TB. Those individuals with poor overall health and medical care, those with substance abuse issues or those who use tobacco are more vulnerable to TB.
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The sprays, wipes and liquids nurses frequently use to prevent infection could be harmful to lung health. A new study, published in JAMA Network Open found workplace exposure to cleaning chemicals significantly increases the risk in COPD among nurses. In the study, researchers used data from an on-going study of more than 116,000 registered female nurses, in 14 states, dating back to 1989. The study focused on women who were still nurses and without lung disease in 2009. The nurses completed questionnaires every other year to track work history and lung health from 2009 to 2015. Occupational Exposures and COPD COPD is not only the third leading cause of death worldwide, but a chronic condition that often can lead to long term disability. Cigarette smoking remains the major risk factor for COPD in the U.S. However, data suggests that 15% to 20% of cases are caused by occupational exposures. Workplace exposures can also contribute to the disease burden of someone with COPD. In the past, studies on occupational exposure and COPD have investigated broad categories of causal agents, such as vapors, dust, gases or fumes and only on a limited number of occupational settings. Significant Increase in Risk According to the study findings, nurses were between 25% and 36% more likely to develop COPD based on exposure to certain cleaning products. The percentages reported in the study were determined after accounting for whether the nurses were smokers or suffered from asthma. Researchers found weekly use of disinfectants to clean hospital surfaces increased COPD risk by 38%, while weekly use of chemical to clean medical instruments increased the risk by 31%. Women at Risk Although gender roles have changed over the past few decades, exposure to cleaning products at home and at work are more common in women. The majority of nurses are female, with males being only 13% of the nursing workforce. A 2014 survey by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics found that women perform 55-70% of household cleaning, which is about 30% more than men. In the healthcare industry, exposure levels to cleaning products and disinfectants are particularly high. Irritation Causing Chemicals Orianne Dumas, lead study author and researcher with Inserm, states, "We found that exposure to several chemicals were associated with increased risk of developing COPD among nurses.” Glutaraldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, used to disinfect medical instruments were among the chemicals identified by Dumas. Glutaraldehyde exposure can cause throat, nasal and lung irritation, asthma and difficulty breathing, skin irritation, wheezing, burning eyes and conjunctivitis. Nurses were also regularly exposed to fumes from bleach, alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds, which are used to clean surfaces and floors. All these chemicals are known to cause lung irritation and could lead to the development of COPD. However, Dumas states researchers only found an association in the study, not a cause-and-effect relationship. More Research Needed The study authors found further study is needed to determine how these cleaning products might cause COPD, and if they increase the risk of lung disease for workers in other professions. Findings also suggest the need for further research to determine exposure-reduction strategies that provide adequate infection control for healthcare settings. What Are the Alternatives? Hospitals could continue to protect nurses' and patients' health by using safer alternatives, such as ultraviolet light or steam for disinfecting equipment and surfaces. Another option is for hospitals to switch to "green" cleaning products that don't emit harmful fumes. The key is finding a balance between safeguarding the health of nurses while maintaining the needed level of infection control. Additional Resources CDC Fact Sheet- Glutaraldehyde Cleaning Chemicals: Know the Risks
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As AN members wisely surmised due to virulence infection in many families. Wonder how many at SCOTUS nomination that came up positive also attended indoor reception?? Karen CNN 10/05/2020 New CDC guidance says COVID-19 can spread through air CDC Advice COVID-19 can sometimes be spread by airborne transmission
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I'm an nurse in an inpatient detox in a larger city. Our facility is large and had many extra beds when COVID hit and so we "offered" them up to the county to be used as isolation for positive patients with nowhere to go. These patients have mild symptoms, if any, and must be self-sufficient in order to be admitted (e.g. independent with ADLs, compliant with medication on their own, walky/talky, etc.). We mostly have homeless patients, awaiting placement in a shelter or return to a sober home, etc. after their isolation period. We have the periodic pt. who does not want to return home to possibly infect family. Again, we are in inpatient detox facility with limited equipment (no oxygen, imaging, no CNAs - we use MHTs). The COVID unit is run by a single RN/LPN. It is voluntary to work. Nurses visit the unit approx. once every 2 hours for VS, meals, etc. There are no cameras. Pt's have their own phones in order to contact nurse if they need to. There are many questions that the nurses continue to ask. We are given inadequate answers or provided what we see as "the run-around." Firstly, men and women are housed together on the unit. Again, these patients are unsupervised for the vast majority of the day. Secondly, patients are co-mingling in shared rooms and a dayroom. Whether they are day 1 or 10 of isolation, they are all together. We've been told that the CDC approves of this but it seems wrong to discharge a patient as cleared when they were just standing next to/hanging out with a patient on day 1 of iso. Third, pt's have their own medications on the unit and are expected to comply with med on their own. We merely ask them if they have taken their meds. This has been explained to me as patients being completely independent as if they were at home, only we are providing to space for them. However, some patients do have narcotics on the unit and there's a risk of OD by themselves or other patient that may steal their meds. Fourth, the hospital is single-story and patients are able to leave via an emergency door which does not alarm. A number of patients have been caught leaving premises but I'm sure a far greater number have come and gone without anyone knowing. This also gives them easy access to contraband brought in from outside source. Fifth, patients have access to a smoking patio and are allowed to smoke (again, treated as if they were at their own home - well, except we take vitals on them, provide meds when needed if they don't have them, etc.). Nursing and admin have disagreed on whether or not we should allow smoking and have argued both sides of "well, if they were at home they could" and "In any other hospital, if you left the unit to smoke, they'd discharge you." I don't even know why I numbered these as there are a dozen more issues right on the surface. I guess I hoped it would make it easier to see the big picture and maybe answer the big questions. Are we doing this whole thing wrong? Are we completely out of compliance with CDC recs? Are we being negligent? I've researched a bit on CDC recs but it can get confusing and I'm honestly overworked and overwhelmed and just needed to reach out for some guidance, ASAP. I know some at my facility really do want to help the community with this service. I'm also sure many admin are just seeing money signs every time they see COVID on a referral.
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Well I sure hope my name is off of McKessons Flu vaccine delivery slip at prior employer.... got call last year at home I had delivery after I had changed positions and no longer responsible for vaccine distribution. Red Flags Flying.... The new letter says HHS and CDC “are rapidly making preparations to implement large-scale distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in the fall of 2020,” Karen SF Gate 9/3/20 CDC tells states: Be ready to distribute vaccines on Nov. 1 Forbes:
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CDC Director Outlines Next Steps in the War on COVID-19WebMD August 12, 2020 2 WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte talks with CDC Director Robert Redfield about what we might expect from COVID for the rest of the year as the creation of an effective vaccine is underway. What is most surprising about this particular coronavirus is how infectious it is (unlike MERS and SARS) and that people under 50 are disproportionately asymptomatic.The trajectory of COVID-19 cases has been higher than expected. In addition, antibody testing showed in the Spring that the number of infections could be 10 times higher than the number confirmed cases.This year, it will be even more critical for people to get a flu vaccine. A flu outbreak will stress hospitals that are already battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Current clinical trials are for people over age 18 and do not exclude those at high risk, including those over 70 and/or with comorbidities such as diabetes.Now is the time to invest in public health, which we haven't done adequately in the past.https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/935566#vp_3
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JAMA 9/9/2020 JAMA: Clinical Outcomes in Young US Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19 Per CDC's latest figures. Covid-19 is increasing rapidly among young adults age 18-34 and highest among young adults ages 20 to 29. From June to August 2020 in the US, this age group accounted for more than 20 percent of all confirmed COVID cases. Findings published in this months JAMA Internal Medicine reveal how severely Covid-19 can affect young adults. The article found that among more than 3,200 adults ages 18 to 34 who were hospitalized with the disease, 21 percent required intensive care, 10 percent required mechanical ventilation and nearly 3 percent — 88 patients — died. Of those who survived, 3 percent — 99 patients — had to be discharged to another health care facility to continue their recoveries. Morbid obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were common and associated with greater risks of adverse event --same as in older adults. Younger adults likely contribute to community transmission of COVID-19. (no surprise) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2770542 CDC MMR 9/23/2020: Changing Age Distribution of the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, May–August 2020 Gotta get periodic CDC MMR Reports broadcasted on Fox News to get President Trump to understand and accept COVID-19's serious effects on young adults; also stop the spread of COVID misinformation. Return to college life and sports not the answer to get the US Covid epidemic resolved.
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10/21/2020 CDC expands definition of who is a Covid-19 ‘close contact’ in contact tracing section to include multiple individual exposures within 24hr period totaling 15 min. Karen CDC: Close Contact definition
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I am tired of being the "bad guy" and I just want to keep our kids safe! Are the rest of you getting negative feedback from parents when you have to call to tell them their child needs to quarantine due to being a close contact of a positive student? A lot of the parents are great and understanding, but I have just as many lately that complain about how their child "is hardly ever around that kid" (the one that is positive) or that they have to work and this is hurting their job, and "this is just stupid! My child is fine! You all are over-reacting!" I have heard every excuse in the book as to why their child shouldn't have to quarantine, and I've been lied to and cursed at over this. I try to patiently explain that we are following Department of Health and CDC guidelines, and I am very sorry, but we have to follow those rules for everyone's safety. I would rather have a bunch of parents mad at me for "overreacting" than to not do enough and someone get critically sick with COVID! I am in a very small town and there is so much drama! My co-workers and I do our best in identifying close contacts. We interview teachers, students to the best of our ability (keeping the name of the positive COVID person out of it) and even watch the security camera videos to see what happened in certain situations in order to identify those close contacts. I've had parents try to talk us into letting their child return from quarantine early with a negative test, though we've been told by the health department that a negative test doesn't get a close contact out of quarantine! 10 days is our district's minimum quarantine for close contacts. I DO feel for the parents and I DO know it's taking a toll on everyone! I am sympathetic and I DO care, some days just take the wind out of my sails. I'm trying not to take it personally. I'm not the only one getting backlash - all of administration is! Here's hoping we can put this COVID mess behind us as soon as possible! Thank you for letting me vent!! I knew you all could probably understand my frustration!!
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Valved masks work very well at reducing moisture and heat inside the mask and does help to reduce glass fogging. However, they are essentially a 3/4" HOLE where exhalation occurs. This, in effect concentrates the outflow of breath without any filtration/capture at all. Worse it can increase the velocity of exhaled air, especially if the wearer should sneeze or cough. Here’s some articles on why one (especially a nurse) should NOT be wearing a valved mask: Heuvelmans, 4/29/2020. Sure, wear a mask. Just not one with a valve Skwarecki, 4/30/2020. If Your Mask Has a Valve, It's Half Useless Moffitt, 5/4//2020. Why your N95 mask could endanger others Kekatos, 4/28/2019. Bay Area says masks with valves are not acceptable face protection amid the coronavirus pandemic because they allow your breath to escape and endanger those around you
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CDC StatisticsAccording to the CDC’S National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 6 in 10 American adults currently suffer from a chronic disease, while a further 4 in 10 have multiple chronic conditions. Furthermore, the treatment of chronic disease and mental health conditions accounts for 90% of the nation’s $3.5 trillion annual health care expenditures. Among these conditions are heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cancer, the chief causes of which are lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and smoking. OverconsumptionRecent data shows that our tendency for overconsumption – individually and collectively – is taking a toll not only on our health but that of the planet’s health, as well. By now, most of us serving in health care, are aware that overconsumption of food, alcohol, drugs, and debt, along with an under consumption of meaningful physical activity, rest and a balanced work-life are the main contributors to the numbers we see from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Life-Style Changes NeededThe national pattern of overconsumption is also evident in the toll which our ambition for a “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” variety of affluence has taken on the environment. In a newly released paper from the University of New South Wales in Australia, researchers came to the conclusion that “technology will only get us so far when working towards sustainability - we need far-reaching lifestyle changes and different economic paradigms.” According to lead author, Professor Tommy Wiedmann, "Recent scientists' warnings have done a great job at describing the many perils our natural world is facing through crises in climate, biodiversity, and food systems, to name but a few. However, none of these warnings has explicitly considered the role of growth-oriented economies and the pursuit of affluence…” The researchers point out the alarming fact that, over the past 40 years, global wealth growth has outpaced any gains from new technologies in terms of the impacts of overconsumption to our environment and to our overall health. “Technology can help us to consume more efficiently, I.e. to save energy and resources,” Wiedmann says, “but these technological improvements cannot keep pace with our ever-increasing levels of consumption." Wealth and AffluenceThis overconsumption is spurred in part by the idea, central to our economic system, that wealth and affluence is an inherent good and something we should all aspire to. This, says co-author Julia Steinberger, is “actually dangerous and leads to planetary-scale destruction.” The notion that economic growth, even if done in a “sustainable way”, is an unqualified positive need to be reevaluated in light of the evidence, according to Professor Wiedmann. "As long as there is growth - both economically and in population - technology cannot keep up with reducing impacts, the overall environmental impacts with only increase.” The current chronic disease epidemic we are facing in this country and the wider environmental crisis stem from shared individual and collective behaviors, influenced by cultural and economic models which encourage what some have termed “mindless consumerism”. The push for a life of “champagne wishes and caviar dreams”, and the stresses incurred in trying to achieve it, have left many with a sense of unfulfillment and emptiness as they strive to keep up with the Joneses. Getting Off the Hamster WheelHowever, recent events give a sense of cautious optimism. One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the opportunity to pause and get off the “hamster wheel”. Being home with family has helped many to simplify and put into perspective what is important in life. Growing awareness has also led to increased calls for policies to alleviate economic and social inequality, as well as increase environmental safeguards. Hopefully, this signals a wider awakening into a true big picture perspective of how everything is truly connected to everything. References Chronic Diseases in America Lifestyle changes and reducing overconsumption could help address environmental crises
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The unprecedented shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an unsafe burden placed on healthcare workers. To protect ourselves against the highly contagious coronavirus, N95 masks are essential in stopping the virus droplets from entering through our mouth and nose. Unfortunately, the worldwide pandemic has the healthcare industry struggling to extend the use of their current N95 supplies. To be used safely, the masks are generally designed for a single-use. However, workers are having to use the same mask over multiple shifts, adding to their risk of COVID-19 infection. Putting Sanitization to the Test Robert Fischer, PhD, with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Montana, along with his colleagues, conducted a study to compare four methods of mask decontamination to determine which is the most effective. Specifically, the researchers compared the rate that SARS-CoV-2 virus is eliminated on the filter fabric of an N95 mask to virus decontamination on stainless steel. The methods used included: Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) Dry heat UV lighting Ethanol After 3 uses, the masks were tested again to see if they maintained an effective fit and seal. Laboratory volunteers wore the decontaminated masks for 2 hours before testing fit. Finding a Reliable Method The researchers found that all four methods removed detectable SARS-CoV-2 virus from the mask's fabric. However, they did find the following variations among the four methods. VHP Fastest decontamination time (10 minutes) Could be used up to 3 times and function properly Dry heat Required 60 minutes for decontamination Could be used up to 2 times and function properly UV lighting Required 60 minutes for decontamination Could be used up to 3 times and function properly Ethanol Not recommended Mask did not function properly after decontamination Currently, UV light and VPH are the most widely used methods for decontamination. UV light has been used for years to disinfect hospital rooms, making it easily accessible. And, hydrogen peroxide has continued to be available without extreme shortages. Study Limitation The researchers tested disinfected N95 masks after clinicians wore the mask for only 2 hours. However, we know that N95 masks are worn for much longer periods of time. FDA Emergency Use Authorizations On March 28, 2020, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), at Battelle Memorial Institute, to allow decontamination of N95 masks using a VPH method. Since then, EUAs have also been issued for Steris V-PRO system and STERRAD systems, with both using VPH method for sterilization. CDC Recommendations for Decontamination According to the CDC, only manufacturers can reliably provide procedures for decontamination without impacting t performance. Also, the CDC doesn't recommend N95 masks be decontaminated for reuse as a standard practice. However, the agency does recognize the pandemic is a time of crisis and options for disinfecting may need to be considered when N95 masks are in short supply. CDC Recommendations for Reuse The CDC has approved wearing the same N95 mask for repeated patient contact without removing the mask between patients. The approval is only for periods of crisis, such as pandemics, when mask supplies become scarce. The CDC has published the following Guidelines for Wearing N95 Masks for an Extended Period of TIme. Discard N95 respirators after a patient has an aerosol procedure Discard if contaminated with bodily fluids Discard after close contact with any patient co-infected with an infectious disease requiring contact precautions Consider using a cleanable face shield over an N95 respirator when feasible Hand used respirators in a designated storage area or keep in a clean, breathable container, such as brown paper bags. Clean hands after touching or adjusting the respirator Avoid touching the inside of a respirator. If contact is made with the inside, discard the respirator and perform hand hygiene Use a pair of clean gloves with donning a used mask More Research Needed Healthcare workers understandably have reservations about wearing respirators that have been decontaminated. N95 masks will continue to be in short supply with the evolving pandemic. To ensure the safety of patients and workers, additional research is needed to evaluate procedures for both extended and reuse of respirators. I work in a facility that is now reusing N95 masks and many workers are leery of this practice. What has been your experience?
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By now, every single solitary person on the face of the earth knows what is happening. Covid-19 is on the news hour after hour, day after day. We keep up with alerts constantly. We practice social-distancing. We work under adverse conditions, pleading and demanding adequate PPEs … and, we worry. One thing first and foremost on our minds is our family and friends. We strive to ensure that they are not infected. What about you as a Nurse? Other than the CDC recommendations, what additional precautions do you personally take to ensure your family members are safe?
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On Tuesday, February 25th, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) held a telebriefing to update the media on the agency’s response to COVID-19. Federal health officials are implementing preparedness and response plans, as more cases are expected in the U.S. Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases emphasized U.S. community spread is expected. Locations of Virus Detection The coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Now named “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”, the virus has been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the U.S. A U.S. soldier has been diagnosed while stationed in South Korea, where more than 1,140 cases have been detected. Update On U.S. Cases As of February 25th, there have been 14 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the following states: Arizona (1) California (8) Illinois (2 cases) Massachusetts (1) Washington (1) Winsconsin (1) Of the 14 cases, twelve were related to travel to China and two through close contact with a diagnosed individual. Repatriated Cases There has been an additional 3 cases reported among U.S. citizens, residents and their families returning from Hubei province, China and 36 from the Diamond Princess Cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan. To date, there have been no reported deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. CDC Public Health Response A total of 1,336 CDC staff members have been working with state, local, tribal and territorial health departments to assist with case identification, evaluation and medical management. In addition, the CDC is collaborating with academic partners to understand the virus characteristics, such as risk for transmission. CDC multidisciplinary teams include: Physicians Nurses Pharmacists Epidemiologists Veterinarians Laboratorians Communicators Data scientist and modelers Coordination staff Containment and Mitigation According to Dr. Messonnier, the CDC will work to prevent the spread of the virus, while also implementing strategies to soften community impact. Currently, there’s no vaccination available to prevent COVID-19 and no targeted medications to treat. Therefore, nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) will be used within communities. NPI categories addressed will include: Personal - daily personal protective measures Community - social distancing to keep those sick/diagnosed away from others Environmental - surface cleaning measures Dr. Messonnier reports CDC has been successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., as well as, allowing more time for the country to prepare. She also warned as more countries experience community spread, it will be harder to successfully contain U.S. borders. Risk Assessment According to the CDC, COVID-19 poses a high potential public health threat in both the U.S. and globally. But, individual risk of contracting the virus depends on exposure. This immediate health risk from COVID-19 for the general U.S. public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, is considered low. Individuals who care for patients with COVID-19, such as healthcare workers, will have an increased risk of infection. If the virus reaches pandemic levels, the risk assessment would likely change. Listen To The Full Briefing Listen to the full February 25th CDC telebriefing here. Follow updates at CDC’s COVID-19 U.S. Situational Summary Let Us Hear From You What is your employer and/or community doing to prepare for COVID-19? References CDC’s COVID-19 informational website
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I'm a senior nursing student and this debate arose with a couple of my classmates and me. I work as an ER tech and they work as patient care techs on the floor. As of right now, CDC guidelines state for PPE: So basically CDC is saying wear an N95 if you have it, but if you don't, wear a surgical mask until you can get an N95. So if you have a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient, and all you have is a surgical mask and no N95, can you refuse to take care of that patient? Do you face any legal repercussions or potential fallout from your employer if you do refuse? Asking not only about tech positions, but RN positions as well.
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I work at a facility with positive COVID-19 cases. I was screened at the facility when the outbreak began, and was negative. A few days later, I got a low-grade fever, chills and body aches. I got tested again - negative. Stayed out until I had been fever-free for 3 days as recommended. Went back to work. Fever came back. My workplace is pressuring me to return tomorrow if I have no temp even though I am febrile today. My doctor says stay home and get tested again tomorrow. I'm beginning to worry my workplace thinks I'm "not sick enough" to stay home. I understand we are short-staffed, but...really? Ignore the state and CDC guidelines?
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One answer why, is from the CDC via WSJ is cited below. It would be interesting to discuss and share viewpoints regarding the concept of putting a patent on an isolated virus, if there's any relation to SARS CoV 2, and if the public should be concerned about the ensuing events regarding this patent (and/or others of this nature). Keep in mind: -This patent wasn't for SARS CoV 2 -This isn't intended for anyone to use as medical advice or make a decision about taking any vaccine CDC Seeks Patent on SARS To Keep Discovery Public
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Been engaged in alot of discussion under the COVID heading. Got me thinking. I find myself not trusting published data. There's so much politicization of everything. The government agencies are simply not independent and they are the source of most information. They want compliance. Period. Why wouldn't they change the data to fit? They certainly could and they have before. They constantly put out demands and conflicting information over and over again. Masks are BS. They don't protect anything. they stop a cough. GREAT! But they push masks like they are vital to life. People are wearing their masks while jogging in the woods. seriously? What the foxtrot!!? I hear all colors of reports about anecdotal stories of people being hurt by the vaccines. Those stories don't even exist as far as official sources are concerned. Do I risk the vaccine hurting me or COVID hurting me? Neither is a good option. COVID is a crap shoot. but taking the vaccine is a conscious choice. People come out of COVID without a problem. people take the vaccine without a problem. Both sides are valid in my mind. but now they are forcing the vaccine by law. This isn't a clear situation. It's very muddy. vaccinated still get infected but the narrative is the vaccine is totally safe, effective, and mandatory and will save the world. How do we know the vaccine isn't driving mutation? If I can't trust the source, how the hell can I make an informed decision? The drug companies have a massive profit motive to avoid any bad press. did they really disclose all their data? Every single positive case is counted as a case. Are vaccine injuries treated the same? How many people harmed by the vaccine are taken into account? There's no way to know. Positive case: Always assume regardless of symptoms. Vaccine injury claim: PROVE IT WITH AN AUTOPSY!! IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE VACCINE!! ITS PROBABLY SOMETHING ELSE!! HERE'S A REFERRAL NOW GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!! (Yes I'm being hyperbolic). Its a double standard and there's no way we can get a clear picture with a double standard like that. This whole thing is a mess. Does anyone else feel like they have found an unbiased source of information that someone who doesn't trust CDC, FDA, government bodies can turn to to make an informed decision? I'm tired of all the fighting and politicization. I just want unbiased information. If you are like me, what did you do to get a clear picture of this mess and come to a conclusion about vax vs avoid? I'm seriously frustrated. I don't want to add to the problem. But I also don't want to get vaccination injury which can be just as bad as anything I can get from (yes liberals, vaccine injury happens. deal with it). Sigh....tired. I hope this makes sense. Does anyone else feel like this? I hope I'm not the only one.
