Tag Archives: #CDC

National Handwashing Awareness Week

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The first week in December is marked as National Handwashing Awareness Week. Flushing Hospital Medical Center believes that Infection prevention is important to all of us and each of us has a valuable role to play in keeping patients safe from infection.

According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the best “do-it-yourself” precaution —it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrhea and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) Awareness Month

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October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.

Did you know that over 3500 infants (less than one year) dies from SIDS each year? These deaths are sudden, unexpected and have no immediate obvious cause.

For more information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at –

http://www.cdc.gov/sids/data.htm

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How safe is the water in your public swimming pool?

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Last week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned the public about a parasite that can live up to ten days in chlorinated pool water and possibly cause severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.  One of the main causes of outbreaks in treated water, including hot tubs and swimming pools, is a resistant parasite called Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is spread through contaminated food or feces. Experts suggest you try not to swallow water in recreational waters, including lakes and water parks, and refrain from swimming for at least a week if you have recently had any gastrointestinal problems to avoid passing an infection to others.   There is no treatment for infection except to just stay hydrated and let it run its course.

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The CDC recommends that swimmers shower before getting in the pool to prevent them from carrying infectious bacteria into the water. Young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to infection.

 

For more information, check out the CDC fact sheet about Cryptosporidium and swimming pools.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.