For more than two years now, CDC's Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) has pushed back against science, the public, HCWs, patients, Long Covid victims, & common sense to introduce better airborne protections for healthcare workers and patients
The last time the guidance for "Airborne, Contact, & Droplet Precautions" was updated was 2007
A lot has changed since then
We now know most diseases are transmitted "through the air"
In fine aerosols
Not large "droplets"
And we face numerous airborne disease threats now
10 voting members of HICPAC determine the risk of airborne transmission to 345 million Americans & 42 million Canadians
Putting at risk every year:
~90% who will interact with healthcare in some fashion
~10% who will be treated in hospital
~10 million Healthcare Workers
9 out of 10 HICPAC members are steadfastly resolute in opposition to the increased use of respirators or mandated universal masking of any sort in hospitals
CDC itself pushed back to the HICPAC committee to insist they start to follow the science and to provide better airborne protection guidance
But still they refuse
The public and advocacy groups have weighed in heavily
Over and over
With both written responses and oral presentations
To insist the HICPAC committee start to follow the science and provide better airborne guidance
But still they refuse
Here are the headlines over the past 2 years:
Aug 24, 2023:
CDC Advisory Group Under Fire for Proposed Infection Control Guidelines
— Nurse union, occupational health experts, patients say weaker guidelines help only employers
Nov 6, 2023:
Critics Say CDC Advisors' Infection Control Guidance Isn't Strong Enough
— Draft guidelines from HICPAC criticized after most recent meeting
Nov 29, 2023:
CDC Advisors' Infection Control Guidance Leaves Us Unprotected
— The guidelines will lead to unnecessary infections and deaths if approved
Jan 24, 2024:
CDC Pushes Back on HICPAC Infection Control Guidance, Asks for Clarification
— Questions center on precautions against airborne pathogens, use of N95s in healthcare settings
May 5, 2024:
WHO Overturns Dogma on Airborne Disease Spread. The CDC Might Not Act on It.
— The report "is a complete U-turn," according to one expert
Aug 24, 2024:
CDC Advisory Group Under Fire for Proposed Infection Control Guidelines
— Nurse union, occupational health experts, patients say weaker guidelines help only employers
Nov 18, 2024:
CDC Advisors Defend Infection Control Draft Guidance
— HICPAC supports surgical masks for airborne pathogens, sick workers returning after 3 days
Nine people are blocking airborne protections for 387 million others
Nine people are causing harm to 387 million others
Nine people are causing billions of dollars in economic damage
Nine people are causing a breakdown in healthcare with labour shortages
10 people are selected to join HICPAC to protect HCWs, patients, the healthcare system, the public & the economy
9 out of 10 members are actively undermining airborne protections
Thank you, new member Lisa Baum, OHS Nursing Specialist, for being the one HICPAC member to stand up firmly against the majority to protect HCWs, patients & the public against airborne transmission of disease in Healthcare
👏👏👏
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I'm getting some nuclear medicine bone scans done this morning to look at the extent of my infections...
So I did a bit of research & learned Canada is a world leader in new production technology for Technetium, Tc-99m, the radioactive isotope used for 85% of scans worldwide
About 30 million scans per year
I knew Canada had been a major world supplier of radioactive imaging materials for years until the aging Chalk River nuclear facility was closed in 2018
So it became necessary to import the nuclear material from other countries
Today I had an opportunity to address the CDC HICPAC committee
The amazing speakers before me covered many topics but generally pushed the committee to do more to protect patients & HCWs, esp wrt protection from airborne transmission
👏👏👏
This was my 3 minute pitch:
This is a turning point in the history of disease transmission and Infection Control.
We already face an unprecedented challenge of pathogens that transmit through the air with even more serious highly pathogenic threats on the horizon.
The need for Engineered Infection Prevention and Universal Air Precautions is becoming more imperative by the day.
Today there is a teenager in critical condition in ICU, Canada’s first known case of the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1.
"What's the best way to stop the Covid airborne pandemic?"
The answer surprised me
"To effectively mitigate the airborne transmission of COVID-19, a multi-faceted approach focusing on indoor environments is crucial. Here are the key strategies to combat the spread of the virus:
Ventilation Improvements
Enhancing ventilation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the concentration of airborne viral particles indoors.
Increase outdoor air supply: Boost the amount of fresh outdoor air circulating in indoor spaces. This can be achieved through:
•Opening windows and doors when possible
•Adjusting HVAC systems to bring in more outdoor air
•Using window fans to exhaust indoor air and draw in fresh air
Optimize air exchange rates: Aim for higher air changes per hour (ACH) to dilute potential contaminants.
Disable demand-controlled ventilation: Turn off systems that reduce air supply based on occupancy or temperature during occupied hours.
Air Filtration and Purification
Use high-efficiency filters: Install MERV-13 or higher rated filters in HVAC systems to capture a greater percentage of airborne particles.
Deploy portable air cleaners: Use HEPA air purifiers in areas with poor ventilation or high occupancy.
Air Disinfection
UV air disinfection: Install ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems to inactivate viruses in the air.
Occupancy and Behavior Modifications
Reduce indoor occupancy: Limit the number of people in enclosed spaces to decrease the potential for viral spread.
Encourage mask-wearing: Proper use of well-fitting masks can significantly reduce the emission and inhalation of respiratory droplets.
Maintain physical distancing: Keep at least 6 feet apart, especially during activities that increase respiratory droplet emission.
Monitoring and Management
CO2 monitoring: Use CO2 levels as an indicator of ventilation adequacy and potential viral spread.
Regular maintenance: Ensure HVAC systems and air cleaning devices are properly maintained and functioning optimally.
Comprehensive Approach
It’s important to note that no single strategy is sufficient on its own. A layered approach combining multiple interventions is most effective in reducing the risk of airborne transmission. Building owners and managers should consider consulting with HVAC professionals to implement these strategies safely and effectively.
By implementing these evidence-based measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in indoor environments and help control the pandemic."