Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1504258
8 INFECTION CONTROL Fauci: Why the chances of eradicating the COVID-19 virus are 'zero' By Erica Carbajal Anthony Fauci, MD, believes the chances of eradicating the virus that causes COVID-19 are zero. e former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases spoke June 13 at the AHIP 2023 conference, answering questions about what's next for COVID-19 and why it is unlikely to ever be fully eradicated. "ere are three things that could happen with COVID. We could eradicate it, we could eliminate it or we could control it. So, eradication — I think the chances of that are zero and the reason is we've only eradicated one viral infection that infects man in the history of public health, and that's smallpox," Dr. Fauci told the audience. e reason smallpox was eradicated in 1980 is because the virus that causes the disease does not change phenotypically or genotypically. For the same reasons, it is also unlikely COVID-19 will be eliminated in the U.S. "We're always going to have COVID-19," Dr. Fauci said. But in the long-term, "It'll be low enough that it doesn't really disturb the social order," because of immunity levels among the general population from vaccination, boosting and infection. "Unless we get a way out new variant, which is possible. I don't think it's going to happen but it's possible, we should have that low level of control," he said. One more COVID-19 update: • FDA advisers are expected to recommend that updated COVID-19 vaccines for this fall and winter target one of the currently circulating XBB omicron subvariants. In briefing documents posted online ahead of the June 15 meeting, FDA staff said the vaccination campaign should be a monovalent vaccine targeting either XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16 or XBB.2.3. n CDC publishes ventilation guidance for respiratory infection By Mariah Taylor The CDC published guidance on improving building ventilation to protect people from respiratory infections. Deploying multiple infection prevention and control strategies can increase effectiveness of ventilation interventions, the CDC said. The improvements can increase clean air, reduce potential contaminants in indoor spaces and reduce the number of viral particles in the air. The guidelines provide 10 strategies for improving ventilation. Basic strategies: 1. Maintain the HVAC system regularly and according to manufacturer recommendations. 2. Change HVAC system filters regularly. 3. Ensure filters fit properly into the filter rack to prevent air from leaking around the edges. Enhanced strategies: 1. Aim to deliver five or more air changes per hour of clean air. 2. Use filters rated MERV-13 or higher when possible. 3. Set your ventilation system to circulate more air when people are in the building by setting the fan control to "On" instead of "Auto." 4. Open windows and doors and use exhaust fans to bring clean outdoor air in. 5. Use air cleaners or air purifiers to filter air. 6. Use UV air treatment systems. They provide a high level of effective air change while using little energy. 7. Use a portable CO2 monitor to determine how stale the air is. Readings above 800 parts per million suggest that you may need more fresh air. n Image Credit: Adobe Stock