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Infection control for ICUs in the COVID era

Haroon Waqar-Uddin explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on ICUs, with particular emphasis on infection prevention and control, and the evolution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to nosocomial infection.

In this article, Haroon Waqar-Uddin explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on intensive care units (ICUs), with particular emphasis on infection prevention and control, and the evolution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to nosocomial infection with COVID, as well as transmission of other hospital acquired infections.

Intensive care units (ICUs) have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in a multitude of ways – the most obvious being the huge increase in capacity, variously termed ‘escalation’, ‘the surge’ and latterly ‘the super-surge.’ However, with this increased capacity comes a number of challenges. 

The spotlight has repeatedly been shone on ‘Aerosol Generating Procedures’ (AGPs) as being high-risk activities for viral transmission to healthcare providers. Indeed, at the start of the pandemic, ICUs and HDUs were being referred to as ‘the Hot Zone.’ These AGPs include endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy and percutaneous trachesotomy – all of which are routine in the intensive care environment. In addition, the use of nasal high flow and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices fall under the umbrella of AGPs

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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