CDC:Sepsis Core Elements Webinar Series Now Available with Free CE

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Sepsis Core Elements Webinar Series Now Available with Free CE

The recently-released Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements provide a framework to help U.S. hospitals implement, monitor, and optimize institutional sepsis programs and sepsis outcomes. They complement existing sepsis guidelines and help facilitate implementation of guideline-recommended care practices at a wide variety of hospitals and healthcare systems.



CDC, in collaboration with the American Medical Association, hosted a five-part webinar series to introduce the Sepsis Core Elements and share real-life examples, strategies, and best practices to help organizations successfully implement them. For those who missed the live webinars, the recordings and instructions for how to claim Continuing Education (CE) can be found on the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements website. Each webinar topic is independent, and CE will continue to be available for those who watch recordings and successfully complete a post-test.


To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

HCPs: Recordings of CDC’s #Sepsis Core Elements webinar training series with free CE in partnership with @AmerMedicalAssn and @CDC_Firstline are now available. Complete up to five at your own pace: https://bit.ly/SepsisCoreElements.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

COVID-19 Updates

January 19, 2024
Amount of Respiratory Illness Is Elevated or Increasing in Most Areas of the Country



Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot
The amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is elevated or increasing across most areas of the country. CDC’s Respiratory Virus Data Channel provides a summary of the key viral respiratory illness findings for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. CDC continues to anticipate this fall and winter respiratory illness season will likely result in a similar number of hospitalizations as last season. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against serious outcomes of COVID-19, flu, and RSV (if eligible for RSV vaccine).

Learn More



Where to Find FREE COVID-19 Testing
CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program will continue to provide no-cost COVID-19 testing for uninsured people who are symptomatic or exposed. More than 19,000 ICATT sites will also offer no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults without full vaccine insurance coverage. This website helps you find ICATT COVID-19 testing locations and contact information for the providers. You can also visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website to find the latest local information on testing.
Learn More



Benefits of Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19 Outweigh Potential Risks of Reboun
If you get sick with COVID-19 and are at higher risk for severe illness, antiviral treatments are available that can reduce your risk of hospitalization and death. But it’s important to get on treatment within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms.
Rebound, a return of symptoms or a new positive test after having tested negative, has been reported in people with and without the use of COVID-19 antivirals. Current evidence suggests rebound presents as mild symptoms 3-7 days after initial illness resolves. If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19, treatment benefits outweigh the potential risks of rebound.

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Updated Guidance for Healthcare Providers on Increased Supply of RSV Immunization to Protect Babies

Nirsevimab is an RSV antibody immunization recommended for preventing severe RSV in infants and some young children. Supply of nirsevimab was limited earlier in the season, and CDC provided guidance to healthcare providers on how to prioritize the limited supply. But with recent increases in supply, CDC now advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of nirsevimab in babies and young children. Infants and children recommended to receive nirsevimab should be immunized as quickly as possible. RSV antibody immunization is recommended for all infants who are younger than 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season, and some children between 8-19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV and entering their second RSV season. Most infants whose mothers received an RSV vaccine do not need to also get an RSV antibody.

Learn More

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

CDC:Antivirals Can Protect Against Severe Illness from COVID-19

December 22, 2023
This message includes updates on COVID-19 from CDC.

Antivirals and COVID-19

Antivirals are an important tool for treating people with COVID-19 but are often underused. COVID-19 antivirals help reduce hospitalizations and deaths among people at higher risk, especially people 65 years and older and those with certain underlying conditions. COVID-19 antivirals need to be prescribed more often to people who are at risk for severe illness to reduce hospitalizations and save lives.


If You Get Sick with COVID-19, Antiviral Treatments Can Protect You Against Severe Illness

With COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise, it is important that people who get sick and are at higher risk for severe illness get on treatment in the first days of illness, since symptoms can change and worsen quickly. While these antivirals are effective at preventing severe disease, not enough people are taking them.

Antivirals can provide additional protection, even if you are vaccinated, if:
You are at least 50 years of age, especially 65 and older, OR
You have certain underlying medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, or chronic lung disease, regardless of your age

If you get sick with COVID-19, you should talk to a medical provider about getting treatment if you fall into either of these two categories. Find out more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

CDC update

December 15, 2023
This message includes updates on COVID-19 from CDC.

Respiratory Illnesses Are on the Rise. There Is Still Time to Get

Vaccinated

Respiratory illness activity is rapidly increasing across the United States, yet vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low. Millions of people may get sick in the next month or two, and low vaccination rates means more people will get more severe disease. Getting vaccinated now can help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.

CDC is reaching out to healthcare providers and clinicians to encourage them to recommend all patients receive all respiratory immunizations they are eligible for. On December 14, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to raise awareness about respiratory illness activity and urge action. To increase vaccination coverage, COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to people who are uninsured or underinsured through the Bridge Access Program.

Respiratory illness activity is rising

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly. Since the summer, public health officials have been tracking a rise in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which is caused by COVID-19. Influenza activity is growing in most parts of the country. RSV activity remains high in many areas. In some parts of the country, hospital beds for children are already nearly as full as they were this time last year. If these trends continue, the situation at the end of this month could again strain emergency departments and hospitals, as it did in winter 2022-2023. Strain on the healthcare system could mean that patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care.

On December 14, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to healthcare providers and public health officials highlighting the increased respiratory disease activity occurring in the United States, particularly in the southern part of the country, and internationally. The HAN noted that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV could lead to more severe disease and a strained healthcare system for the rest of the season. These low rates can also lead to more days of missed work and school.

There’s still time to get vaccinated. Talk with your trusted healthcare provider about which vaccines you and your loved ones need to stay healthy this holiday season and into the new year. Find out more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

CDC: Register for Final Sepsis Core Elements Webinar with Free CE

In October, CDC’s Project Firstline began a five-part webinar series for healthcare professionals in collaboration with the American Medical Association to introduce the first-ever, recently-launched Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements. This release provides a framework to help U.S. hospitals implement, monitor, and optimize institutional sepsis programs and sepsis outcomes. The Sepsis Core Elements complement existing sepsis guidelines and help facilitate implementation of guideline-recommended care practices at a wide variety of hospitals and healthcare systems.


During each one-hour webinar, sepsis subject matter experts provide an overview of the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements, and partners share real-life examples, strategies, and best practices about how they have successfully implemented specific Sepsis Core Elements at their organization. Each webinar topic is independent, and all webinars are recorded. Free Continuing Education (CE) is offered upon successful completion of a post-test.


Register today for the final webinar and share with your network:
Education: December 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. ET



Watch past webinar recordings and obtain CE:


Leadership Commitment
Accountability and Multi-Professional Expertise
Action
Tracking and Reporting

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

HCPs: Register for CDC’s #Sepsis Core Elements final webinar series with free CE in partnership with @AmerMedicalAssn and @CDC_Firstline on 12/7 at 1pm ET discussing the importance of sepsis education: https://bit.ly/CDCSepsisWebinars #SAM2023

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

COVID-19 Testing, Self-Tests (At-Home Tests)

November 1, 2023
COVID-19 Testing, Self-Tests (At-Home Tests)



Get 4 Free COVID-19 Tests

Every U.S. household can order 4 more free COVID-19 self-tests.
Self-tests (also called at-home tests and over-the-counter tests) are one of several tools that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

Self-tests can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.

You can place an order
Online at COVIDTests.gov
By calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
By calling or emailing the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or DIAL@usaginganddisability.org (for people with disabilities)

Learn More



Things to Consider When Taking A COVID-19 Test

When you get tested for COVID-19:

Make sure to test at the right time
Choose the right type of test for your circumstance
Follow test directions as recommended by FDA

Visit CDC’s website to learn more about COVID-19 testing, including how and when to use a self-test, and other things to keep in mind when you take a COVID-19 test.

Many of us may have expired COVID-19 self-tests. Before you throw out “expired” COVID-19 self-tests, check to see if their expiration dates have been extended.
The expiration date is the date through which the test is expected to perform as accurately as when manufactured. Sometimes, a test’s expiration date is extended.
You can check FDA’s website to find more information on the test, including if the expiration date has been extended, how the test performs, and other details that may help you decide what test is right for you.
To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit:
COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know| CDC
To see if the expiration date for your at-home COVID-19 tests has been extended, visit: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA



Take Precautions If You Have COVID-19
If you have COVID-19, you can take precautions to protect yourself and others.

Stay home and separate yourself from others
Improve ventilation (air flow) at home
Wear a high-quality mask when you’re around others
Ask a healthcare provider about treatments that may be available to you

Learn More



Stay Informed with the COVID Data Tracker
COVID Data Tracker provides the most recent data and trends on COVID-19 test positivity, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. You can explore data on hospital admission levels to learn how COVID-19 is impacting your area, and also find information on variants and wastewater surveillance.
Learn More



How to Get Your COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines This Year
Immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts, and death.
Recommendations for these immunizations vary based on age, pregnancy status, or medical conditions. To learn more, including how to find recommended immunizations, visit: How to Get Your Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines This Year | CDC

Updates to This Newsletter

CDC is expanding the information you receive through this COVID-19 newsletter to also include information on protecting yourself and loved ones against other respiratory viruses. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

CDC update

www.thecommunityguide.org

New Publication Features Cost-effectiveness Evidence for Team-based Care to Improve Blood Pressure Control


The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) finds team-based care interventions to improve blood pressure control are cost-effective. Findings from a systematic review of economic evidence are detailed in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, available online from The Community Guide.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,update

 

Register for Third and Fourth Sepsis Core Elements Webinars with Free CE*

In October, CDC’s Project Firstline began a five-part webinar series for healthcare professionals in collaboration with the American Medical Association to introduce the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements, a framework to help U.S. hospitals implement, monitor, and optimize institutional sepsis programs and sepsis outcomes. Each year, about 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis, which is why it's so important to take steps to reduce your patients' risk of sepsis.

The Sepsis Core Elements complement existing sepsis guidelines and help facilitate implementation of guideline-recommended care practices at a wide variety of hospitals and healthcare systems in the United States. Action, Nov. 2: The third webinar is coming up on November 2 at 1 p.m. ET and will dive into how to implement effective structures and processes to improve sepsis identification, management, and recovery. Tracking and Reporting, Nov. 16: A fourth webinar is scheduled for November 16 at 1 p.m. ET and will discuss tracking and reporting. Experts will discuss how to measure sepsis epidemiology, management, and outcomes to assess the impact of sepsis initiatives and progress toward program goals. They will also offer guidance on how to provide information on sepsis management and outcomes to relevant partners. During each one-hour webinar, sepsis subject matter experts will provide an overview of the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements, and partners will share real-life examples, strategies, and best practices about how they have successfully implemented specific Sepsis Core Elements at their organization. Each webinar topic is independent, and all webinars will be recorded. Free Continuing Education (CE)* will be offered upon successful completion of a post-test. A final webinar will be held on December 7 at 1 p.m. ET and will discuss education.

Register today, view the full schedule of upcoming events, and share with your network:  https://bit.ly/CDCSepsisWebinars. If you missed webinar one or two, you can still watch the recording and obtain CE. To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis. *CE for this series is pending.

	HCPs: Register for CDC’s #Sepsis Core Elements webinar series with free CE* in partnership with @AmerMedicalAssn and @CDC_Firstline covering Action on 11/2 1pm ET & Tracking and Reporting on 11/16 1pm ET: https://bit.ly/CDCSepsisWebinars #SAM2023 *pending

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,update

 

November 18 Kicks Off U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) 2023 Improve Antibiotic Use, Improve Health Equity

Kick off U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) with CDC on Saturday, November 18! Every year, CDC recognizes USAAW to raise awareness and share information on the importance of improving antibiotic and antifungal use. Any time antibiotics or antifungals are used—in people, animals, or plants—they can cause side effects and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AR). The USAAW observance is aligned with World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) during the same week. This year, CDC is focusing on the connection between appropriate antibiotic and antifungal prescribing and use and health equity. Health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Health inequities resulting from less-than-optimal antibiotic or antifungal prescribing practices may impact health outcomes, and result in an increase in antimicrobial resistance or adverse events in some populations. Join CDC November 18-24 as we recognize the importance of improving antibiotic and antifungal prescribing and use, improving health equity, and slowing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Learn how you can take action this week and the rest of the year.

5 ways to join USAAW activities November 18–24

1. Use and share CDC’s U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2023 Partner Toolkit, which includes key messages and social media graphics. Check out CDC’s Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit for antibiotic stewardship resources for human health. 2. Jump into social media chats on X (formally Twitter): November 14, 8-9 p.m. EST: The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America with @CDC_AR, Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Infectious Diseases Practice and Research Network are hosting a live chat on antibiotic prescribing equity. Use #ABXRxEquity and #USAAW23 to join the conversation. November 16, 10-11 a.m. EST: Join @CDC_AR in reposting messages about improving antibiotic and antifungal use and reducing the spread antimicrobial resistance during a Global X Storm. Join the conversation using #WAAW23Xstorm. November 18-24, daily: Help spread the word with family, friends, and colleagues so they can also get involved. Follow @CDC_AR and repost throughout the week using #AntimicrobialResistance, #USAAW23, and #WAAW. 3. Go Purple for AR to show your support for improving the use of antibiotics and antifungals. You can: Sign up to receive a toolkit for Go Purple for USAAW to help get members of your network involved. Wear purple and post pictures to social media encouraging your followers to improve antibiotic and antifungal use. Light up buildings and landmarks in purple for the week. Bring purple to your online presence: Share Go Purple and USAAW messages to your organization’s website, wear purple when on camera during online meetings and share why you are wearing purple. Share pictures on your social media, tagging #GoPurpleforUSAAW, #AntimicrobialResistance or #USAAW23.

4. Mark your calendar for upcoming webinars:  November 14, 2-3 p.m. EST: Urgent Care Association webinar on common myths and new successes in urgent care antibiotic stewardship. November 14, 3-4 p.m. EST: CDC and Federal Office of Rural Health Policy webinar on the National Healthcare Safety Network Antimicrobial Use Option and using data for action in critical access hospitals. 5. Check out the latest CDC resources on antibiotic and antifungal use, antimicrobial resistance, and health equity across One Health Antimicrobial Resistance Antibiotic Prescribing and Use Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit Antimicrobial Resistance and Health Equity AMR Exchange: Experts Discuss Reducing Health Disparities by Improving Antibiotic Use CDC Health Equity Page International Infection Control Branch

Check out CDC’s USAAW Partner Toolkit and visit CDC’s USAAW webpage to learn other ways to participate during the week.

	Join U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week Nov. 18-24 & spread the word about the importance of improving #antibiotic & #antifungal use, improving health equity, and combating #AntimicrobialResistance. Download CDC’s Partner Toolkit for ways to share: https://bit.ly/3ZCDi4k #USAAW23

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348