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LiveProcess platform allows hospitals to gather and distribute critical information during H1N1 pandemic

In Riverside County, California, one of the 32 states where the H1N1 pandemic continues to be widespread, there were 2478 hospitalizations/reported cases and 30 deaths from H1N1 as of December 16, 2009, and at press time, that number was still climbing. Riverside is the state’s fastest growing county and fifth largest in the country.

6 Jan 2010

Howard Leight dispels common misconceptions associated with hearing protection

In the world of personal protective equipment, bad assumptions are hazardous and can result in injury -- or worse. Yet, despite 25 years of government regulation, a handful of persistent bad assumptions are widespread -- endangering both the effectiveness of occupational Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs) -- and worker hearing.

2 Dec 2009

H1N1: Bridging the knowledge gap

A commentary in the December issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases brings to light the gaps in knowledge on the transmission of a common pathogen - the influenza virus - and its impact on decisions about how best to protect health care workers. Infectious diseases specialist Leonard Mermel, DO, medical director of infection control for Rhode Island Hospital, looks at the ongoing debate in light of the H1N1 pandemic, what past research tells us about the spread of influenza, and what is missing in the debate. His commentary is currently available in an online first edition.

20 Nov 2009

Results from the study on occupational exposure to bisphenol A published

This study of occupational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) among male factory workers in China provides interesting new information, although its relevance to average consumers who use products containing minute amounts of BPA is limited, at best.

11 Nov 2009

2009 H1N1 influenza PPE federal guidance for healthcare workers causes concern among prevention experts

Three leading scientific organizations specializing in infectious diseases prevention issued a letter to President Obama today expressing their significant concern with current federal guidance concerning the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers in treating suspected or confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza.

7 Nov 2009

Poison control centers to take calls for H1N1

The same reassuring voice on the telephone line when you fear you've had a poison emergency may be the same person answering your questions about the H1N1 flu pandemic.

29 Oct 2009

CHA urges California Nurses Association to promote vaccinations to all health care workers

The California Hospital Association (CHA) is engaged with hospitals and state and local public health officials in a voluntary statewide effort to ensure that all hospital workers -- including registered nurses -- are vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus.

21 Oct 2009

Winner of first annual Healthcare Administrator Award announced

Deborah Friberg, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Raleigh, North Carolina, has been named the recipient of the first annual Healthcare Administrator Award, presented by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The award recognizes a healthcare facility's executive team member who has demonstrated significant support for infection prevention and control throughout their facility.

20 Oct 2009

FDA urges consumers to exercise care on online H1N1 drug products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus.

19 Oct 2009

Surgical masks appear as effective as N95 respirators against influenza: Study

A McMaster University study has found that surgical masks appear to be as good as N95 respirators in protecting health-care workers against influenza.

3 Oct 2009

Laerdal Medical redeveloping its Emergency Preparedness Scenarios simulation packages

Laerdal Medical, in conjunction with The University of Miami's Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education, is in the final stages of re-developing the Emergency Preparedness Scenarios - Terrorism package to function on Laerdal's VitalSim-capable Simulators.

From Laerdal 17 Sep 2009

Upgraded Upp Technology irms|EM software streamlines H1N1 vaccine distribution

Based on feedback from their national client base of Public Health Agencies and First Responders, Upp Technology has added significant enhancements to its already award winning irms|EM (Emergency Management) software. The new irms|EM product enhancements streamline the order fulfillment and distribution process of H1N1 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to partner agencies, private facilities, as well as, the general public.

4 Sep 2009

H3N2 influenza unlikely to spread between humans

Seeing animals up close is an integral part of experiencing the state and county fairs that take place around the country each summer and fall. And with good hygiene, Kansas State University veterinary experts say fair visitors shouldn't worry about contracting diseases from animals.

11 Aug 2009