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How to Prepare For Possible “Tripledemic” of RSV, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2  The interaction between the respiratory viruses SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, poses ongoing challenges. Personal protective measures, testing, and vaccination are critical components of our strategy to mitigate the impact of these viruses. New research focuses on real-time SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza detection. A proof-of-concept portable monitor has been developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 within 5 minutes.18 This technology could also be applied to RSV and influenza. Thus, we must not abandon public health and only rely on personal protection. This is a recipe which may force us to endure another tripledemic. Instead, we should prevent all respiratory illnesses to the highest degree possible, with strategies which are adopted and supported by society. Infection Control Today. Sept. 25, 2023. https://lnkd.in/gbrBwHz2  

As the world still grapples with new strains of COVID-19, another health concern has quietly emerged - COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. This condition, caused by the fungus Aspergillus, can affect individuals who have severe cases of COVID-19 and weakened immune systems. Pulmonary aspergillosis typically manifests as lung infections, making it a concerning complication for COVID-19 patients already struggling to breathe. The fungal spores can infiltrate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and worsening respiratory distress. Early detection and treatment are critical. Doctors may use imaging scans and laboratory tests to diagnose the condition. Antifungal medications are the mainstay of treatment, often administered alongside COVID-19 therapies. Preventing aspergillosis in COVID-19 patients involves maintaining strict hygiene measures, especially in healthcare settings. Proper ventilation and infection control practices can help reduce the risk of fungal infections. While COVID-19 vaccines have brought hope, understanding and addressing associated complications like pulmonary aspergillosis remain crucial in our ongoing battle against the pandemic. Stay informed, stay safe.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children, has reached warning levels across various regions in western Japan for the first time in five years. - https://lnkd.in/gSksSVbz OSAKA, Jun 08 (News On Japan) - Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children, has reached warning levels across various regions in western Japan for the first time in five years. HFMD, which peaks between June and July, causes rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, often accompanied by fever. Although rare, it can lead to complications such as meningitis. Generally, the disease is a concern due to the risk of dehydration as children avoid eating and drinking because of mouth pain. In Osaka, the number of patients per medical institution averaged 6.11 over the past week, surpassing the warning level of 5 for the first time in five years. The disease has also exceeded warning levels in Hyogo, Nara, and Kyoto, spreading throughout the Kansai region. The unusual surge in infections this year is linked to the preventive measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Koji Kanazaki, Director of Kanazaki Children's Clinic: 'Because of the impact of COVID-19, many children had not contracted (hand, foot, and mouth disease), so I think many are now getting infected.' (Q: Are those who have never contracted it more susceptible?) 'Yes, they are.' Meanwhile, a kindergarten in Toyonaka City is also dealing with the outbreak. The facility has 97 children aged 0 to 5, and 12 have been infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease over the past two weeks. Yukiko Nakaoka, Principal of Ueno Hidamari Kindergarten: 'It spreads gradually through saliva and nasal discharge to neighboring classes and to siblings. Even though parents are working, we ask them to take their children to medical facilities during the day if hand, foot, and mouth disease is suspected.' To prevent further spread, the kindergarten is taking measures such as more frequent disinfection of toys and handrails and urging parents to be vigilant. As hand, foot, and mouth disease wreaks havoc with the arrival of summer, how can we protect children from this infectious disease? The infection status in the Kinki region is concerning, with a wide area exceeding the health warning level, including Osaka and Nara for the first time in five years. Hand, foot, and mouth disease, which spreads in summer, primarily affects infants under five years old and spreads through droplets and contact. Adults with weakened immunity can also contract it. According to experts, the preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to fewer outbreaks, resulting in more children without immunity, which may explain the increase in ca

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children, has reached warning levels across various regions in western Japan for the first time in five years. - https://lnkd.in/gSksSVbz OSAKA, Jun 08 (News On Japan) - Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children, has reached warning levels across various regions in western Japan for the first time in five years. HFMD, which peaks between June and July, causes rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, often accompanied by fever. Although rare, it can lead to complications such as meningitis. Generally, the disease is a concern due to the risk of dehydration as children avoid eating and drinking because of mouth pain. In Osaka, the number of patients per medical institution averaged 6.11 over the past week, surpassing the warning level of 5 for the first time in five years. The disease has also exceeded warning levels in Hyogo, Nara, and Kyoto, spreading throughout the Kansai region. The unusual surge in infections this year is linked to the preventive measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Koji Kanazaki, Director of Kanazaki Children's Clinic: 'Because of the impact of COVID-19, many children had not contracted (hand, foot, and mouth disease), so I think many are now getting infected.' (Q: Are those who have never contracted it more susceptible?) 'Yes, they are.' Meanwhile, a kindergarten in Toyonaka City is also dealing with the outbreak. The facility has 97 children aged 0 to 5, and 12 have been infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease over the past two weeks. Yukiko Nakaoka, Principal of Ueno Hidamari Kindergarten: 'It spreads gradually through saliva and nasal discharge to neighboring classes and to siblings. Even though parents are working, we ask them to take their children to medical facilities during the day if hand, foot, and mouth disease is suspected.' To prevent further spread, the kindergarten is taking measures such as more frequent disinfection of toys and handrails and urging parents to be vigilant. As hand, foot, and mouth disease wreaks havoc with the arrival of summer, how can we protect children from this infectious disease? The infection status in the Kinki region is concerning, with a wide area exceeding the health warning level, including Osaka and Nara for the first time in five years. Hand, foot, and mouth disease, which spreads in summer, primarily affects infants under five years old and spreads through droplets and contact. Adults with weakened immunity can also contract it. According to experts, the preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to fewer outbreaks, resulting in more children without immunity, which may explain the increase in ca

Some great insights in this Infection Control Today® article by our CEO, Thuc Vu, on how to navigate the #tripledemic using #UV disinfection.

January 4th, 2024 There are 4 confirmed cases of respiratory infection with a new type of Influenza A virus in the Seattle, Washington area. This novel serovar is known as: Influenza A / H7N1 Hong Kong 2022 - 9 The – 9 (pronounced “dash 9”) part of the serovar name refers to how many epitopes are present (exist) on the outside of the virus and on the outside of host infected cells. For this serovar, there are 9 viral capsid markers (this terminology is used when the virus is in the environment or when the virus is in the body and when our own cells have not yet become infected). There are 9 host cell surface markers (this terminology is used when the human respiratory epithelial cells are infected with the virus and the infection has caused a change in the host cell appearance). The higher the number (up to a  maximum total of – 14), the harder it is for the body to fight off the virus and the easier it is for the virus to evade our immune system. Serovars that are labelled – 1 can be more easily controlled by the body. Serovars with a – 9 designation are medium in difficulty for the body to fight off.  Serovars designated as – 14 pose the biggest problem. The infection is causing serious disease in the patients I mentioned above. All four individuals are in an isolation ward and are receiving excellent care in hospital. Similar H7N1 types of Influenza A were a problem in the world in the year 1921. We have little immunity to this Influenza A serovar, but the situation is largely contained at the moment. This is because of quick thinking on the part of medical and laboratory personnel and because of prompt testing and identification and classification of the virus. Barrier precautions, especially for front-line workers, isolation procedures, infection prevention and control protocols that emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene and staying home if ill and while experiencing symptoms, are still recommended with the goal of preventing spread and reducing the chance of sustained transmission within our communities. It is hoped and understood that the Influenza vaccine that will be available (as always) in the fall of 2024 (7 or 8 months from now), will be manufactured in a way such that it offers protections against this serovar. Thank you for your time. -30-­­ #newsupdate #influenza

In this second article from Infection Control Today, Tori Whitacre and Emergex’s CEO, Professor Thomas Rademacher, discuss current vaccines against chikungyuna (#CHIKV) and why Emergex’s solution for infectious diseases are designed to offer a more effective treatment. CHIKV is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes epidemics of illness characterized by debilitating arthralgia and arthritis that can endure for months to years following infection. Professor Thomas Rademacher provides insight into the evolving nature of viruses such as chikungunya, highlighting their adaptive strategies. He discusses how these viruses leverage the immune response triggered by vaccines or other treatments to enhance their pathogenicity. Watch here: https://bit.ly/3On97cZ

Exciting insights into the future of infectious disease management! 🚀 Emergex's cutting-edge solutions promise a new dawn in fighting such adaptable viruses. A must-read for anyone interested in the evolving battle against infectious diseases! Vickers Venture Partners #InnovationInHealthcare #EmergexVaccines #FightAgainstCHIKV"

World Hepatitis Day Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. There are five main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These five types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. Today, over 350 million people live with viral hepatitis. Every 30 seconds, someone loses their life to a hepatitis related illness. 9 in 10 people living with hepatitis are unaware of their diagnosis. World Hepatitis Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about hepatitis and its impact on millions of lives. On this important day, let’s come together to learn, educate, and advocate for prevention, testing, and treatment. Together, we can eliminate hepatitis and ensure a healthier future for all. At Suguna, As as effort to join the global initiative we have always and will continue to practise and prioritise the prevention and transmission of hepatitis, especially HEP B & C, as healthcare workers face a higher risk of exposure to infected patients' blood and body fluids. To ensure safety, we have implemented robust hospital infection prevention practices and biomedical waste management policies, including: -Strictly avoiding recapping of syringes to prevent needle stick injuries. -Emphasising five key hand hygiene moments: * a. Before touching a patient * b. After touching a patient * c. Before any aseptic procedure * d. After touching patient surroundings * e. After exposure to blood and body fluids Additionally, we have a comprehensive HR policy that mandates all Suguna employees to be vaccinated with the complete course of the hepatitis B Vaccine. We also take universal precautions for patients undergoing surgical/IV/Cath lab/Dialysis procedures, ensuring mandatory screening for Hepatitis B & C. Promoting awareness and education is crucial in preventing hepatitis transmission, and we strive to increase public knowledge about the disease. By focusing on these prevention strategies and spreading awareness, we aim to make a positive impact in the fight against hepatitis. #sugunahospital #multispecialityhospital #worldhepatitisday #onelifeoneliver