SCCM’s COVID-19 Rapid Resource Center now links to pertinent content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These resources are categorized as Infection.
The information provided is for educational purposes for SCCM members and the general public. Clicking on these links allows users to leave www.sccm.org. The Society does not control the linked sites or the content on those sites. SCCM does not assume any liability for the content or information contained on these linked sites. Further, SCCM does not assume any liability or warrant with respect to the quality, noninfringement, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of such linked sites.You should be aware that other internet sites that link to the Site may contain privacy provisions that differ from these policies. To ensure that your privacy is protected, we recommend that you review the privacy policies of other internet sites you visit.
COVID-19 Pandemic Reverses Progress in Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in U.S.
Date Added: 9/13/2022
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed back years of progress made combating antimicrobial resistance (AR) in the United States. A new report from the CDC, COVID-19: U.S. Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance, Special Report 2022, concludes that the threat of antimicrobial-resistant infections is not only still present but has gotten worse—with resistant hospital-onset infections and deaths both increasing at least 15% during the first year of the pandemic.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Weekly / July 8, 2022 / 71(27);878–884 — Factors Associated with Severe Outcomes Among Immunocompromised Adults Hospitalized for COVID-19 — COVID-NET, 10 States, March 2020–February 2022
Date Added: 9/13/2022
Data on adults aged ≥18 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from 10 U.S. states in the COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network were analyzed to assess associations between immunocompromise and ICU admission and in-hospital death during March 1, 2020–February 28, 2022. Associations of COVID-19 vaccination status with ICU admission and in-hospital death were also examined during March 1, 2021–February 28, 2022.
Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions
Date Added: 6/7/2022
Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of ongoing health problems; these conditions can last weeks, months, or years. Post-COVID conditions are found more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience post-COVID conditions, even people who had mild illness or no symptoms from COVID-19.
Evaluating and Supporting Patients Presenting with Cognitive Symptoms Following COVID
Date Added: 5/19/2022
During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss post-COVID conditions (PCC), an umbrella term for the wide range of health consequences that are present four or more weeks after infection with SARS-CoV-2, which includes long COVID. Cognitive symptoms, often described by patients as “brain fog”, are frequently reported following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) has recently published a Multi-Disciplinary Collaborative Consensus Guidance Statement on the Assessment and Treatment of Cognitive Symptoms in PCC that provides practical guidance to clinicians in the assessment and treatment of individuals with cognitive symptoms and a history consistent with PCC. The burden of PCC is expected to reflect the disproportionate burden of infection by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status and to highlight ongoing inequities in health care. The Health Equity Work Group of the AAPM&R has developed guidance to highlight the central role that principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion play in delivering quality health care.
Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions
Date Added: 5/19/2022
There is no test to diagnose post-COVID conditions, and people may have a wide variety of symptoms that could come from other health problems. This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to recognize post-COVID conditions. A diagnosis of post-COVID conditions is based on health history, including diagnosis of COVID-19 either by a positive test or by symptoms or exposure, as well as doing a health examination. This page discusses long COVID or post-COVID conditions.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) — COVID-19 Mortality and Vaccine Coverage — Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, January 6, 2022–March 21, 2022
Date Added: 5/19/2022
On January 6, 2022, a cluster of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was detected in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Hong Kong), resulting in the territory’s fifth wave of COVID-19 cases. This wave peaked on March 4, 2022, with 8,764 COVID-19 cases per million population, resulting in a total of 1,049,959 cases and 5,906 COVID-19–associated deaths reported to the Hong Kong Department of Health during January 6–March 21, 2022. Throughout this period, the COVID-19 mortality rate in Hong Kong (37.7 per million population) was among the highest reported worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) — Notes from the Field: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection in 10 Persons Within 90 Days of Previous SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Infection — Four States, October 2021–January 2022
Date Added: 5/19/2022
Since the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant became predominant in the United States in late December 2021, reported reinfections have increased. Early reinfections (those occurring within 90 days of previous infection) are not well understood. Because some persons have prolonged detection of viral RNA after infection, repeat positive nucleic acid amplification test results within 90 days could reflect prolonged shedding from earlier infection, presenting technical challenges to documenting and characterizing early reinfections. This report describes 10 patients from four states, with whole genome sequencing confirmed Omicron variant infections within 90 days of a previous Delta infection. This activity was reviewed by CDC, approved by respective institutional review boards, and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.
COCA Call: Updates to CDC’s COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines in Healthcare and Non-healthcare Settings
Date Added: 1/21/2022
CDC has recently updated COVID-19 quarantine and isolation recommendations for healthcare and non-healthcare settings. During this COCA call presenters discussed the science supporting these changes, the populations, and settings to which these changes apply, and additional precautions people should take at the end of quarantine or isolation.
CDC Recommends Pfizer Booster at 5 Months, Additional Primary Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Children
Date Added: 1/12/2022
CDC is updating our recommendation for when many people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months for people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. This means that people can now receive an mRNA booster shot 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. The booster interval recommendation for people who received the J&J vaccine (2 months) or the Moderna vaccine (6 months), has not changed.
New SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Identified: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant
Date Added: 12/16/2021
Omicron, a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, has been identified in many countries and categorized as a Variant of Concern by the U.S. government and the World Health Organization (WHO). Because little is known about Omicron currently, it is important for the public health and medical communities as well as the general public to remain vigilant to reduce potential exposure. This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory summarizes current knowledge about Omicron and provides recommendations on how to detect the Omicron variant within the United States as soon as possible to mitigate its spread.
Science Brief: Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
Date Added: 12/16/2021
Updated Science Brief: Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 — This webpage has recently been updated to include a section on mask wearing among children and data on the association of mask wearing with new infections, including infections related to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) — SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant — United States, December 1–8, 2021
Date Added: 12/16/2021
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), B.1.1.529 (Omicron), was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South Africa on November 24, 2021. Omicron has numerous mutations with potential to increase transmissibility, confer resistance to therapeutics, or partially escape infection- or vaccine-induced immunity.
Increasing Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) Activity, Especially Among Young Adults and in College and University Settings, During SARS-CoV-2 Co-Circulation
Date Added: 12/16/2021
CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about increased influenza A(H3N2) activity that could mark the beginning of the 2021-2022 influenza season. The purpose of this HAN Health Advisory is to:
- Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to recommend and offer the current seasonal influenza vaccine to all eligible persons aged six months and older (Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same visit).
- Remind clinicians to consider testing for both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI).
- Remind clinicians to consider testing for both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI).
In Conversation with the Surgeon General about COVID-19 Misinformation, Vaccines, Variants and More
Date Added: 12/16/2021
On Nov. 30, U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, joined us for a webinar to talk about misinformation, children’s vaccines and boosters, and the role community organizations have in communicating trusted information across their communities. Learn more and watch the webinar. The Surgeon General released a step-by-step toolkit that provides specific guidance and resources for health care providers, educators, librarians, faith leaders and trusted community members to understand, identify and stop the spread of health misinformation in their communities.
COCA Call: Molecular Approaches for Clinical and Public Health Applications to Detect Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 Viruses
Date Added: 12/16/2021
The Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) held a call Thursday, December 9, 2021. During this COCA Call, clinicians will learn critical information about molecular approaches for clinical and public health applications to detect the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Presenters from CDC will review the most up to date guidance on clinical testing for influenza, including situations when influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are co-circulating in a community or other setting. In addition, presenters will provide in-depth discussion on cycle threshold (Ct) values from SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic assays and their correlation with viral load and infectiousness. Presenters will also discuss SARS-CoV-2 sequencing applications for public health.
CDC Library: COVID-19 Science Update
Date Added: 12/16/2021
The COVID-19 Science Update summarizes new and emerging scientific data for public health professionals to meet the challenges of this fast-moving pandemic. Weekly, staff from the CDC COVID-19 Response and the CDC Library systematically review literature in the WHO COVID-19 database, and select publications and preprints for public health priority topics in the CDC Science Agenda for COVID-19 and CDC COVID-19 Response Health Equity Strategy.
CDC Launches Global Networks, Innovative Research to Improve Detection and Response to Infectious Disease Threats
Date Added: 12/16/2021
CDC launched two new global networks and several research projects, awarding $22 million to nearly 30 organizations around the world, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AR) and other healthcare threats through the establishment of two new networks: The Global Action in Healthcare Network (GAIHN) and the Global AR Laboratory and Response Network (Global AR Lab & Response Network).
CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations – Media Statement
Date Added: 12/16/2021
CDC has strengthened its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine.
CDC/IDSA COVID-19 Clinician Call: COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters, the Immune Compromised & Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Date Added: 11/15/2021
These one-hour webinars, held Saturdays at 3 p.m. ET, focus on timely issues of relevance to clinicians and feature case presentations by experts in the field, synthesis of new data, and an opportunity to engage with colleagues.
Topics: COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters, the Immune Compromised & Protecting the Most Vulnerable.
Severity of Disease Among Adults Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Before and During the Period of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Predominance — COVID-NET, 14 States, January–August 2021
Date Added: 11/15/2021
On October 22, 2021, this report was posted online as an MMWR Early Release covering the Severity of Disease Among Adults Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Before and During Delta Variant Predominance.
Long-Term Symptoms Among Adults Tested for SARS-CoV-2 — United States, January 2020–April 2021
Date Added: 9/27/2021
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) detailing long-term symptoms among adults tested for SARS-CoV-2.
Strategies for Increasing Adult Vaccination Rates
Date Added: 9/27/2021
This video discusses new data from this nursing survey indicates access to PPE and the ability to communicate and implement changing policies have improved, while staffing shortages and the emotional health and well-being of nurse leaders have worsened. The most recent August report also offers new insights into nurse leaders’ needs and tactics being used to address the growing staffing shortage. The report continues to identify a gap between roles, with focus on chief nursing officers, directors, and managers.
COVID-19 Science Update
Date Added: 7/8/2021
To help inform CDC’s COVID-19 Response, as well as to help CDC staff stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 research, the Response’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer has collaborated with the CDC Office of Library Science to create a series called COVID-19 Science Update.
COCA Call: Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-COVID Conditions
Date Added: 7/8/2021
The Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) held a call Thursday, June 17, 2021, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). During this COCA Call, clinicians learned about CDC’s new interim guidance which provides a framework for healthcare providers in their initial assessment, evaluation, management, and follow-up of persons with possible post-COVID conditions.
How to talk to your patients about COVID-19 vaccination
Date Added: 7/8/2021
Healthcare professionals are patients’ and parents’ most-trusted source of information on vaccines. Your answers to their questions matter and will help them make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination for themselves or their children. Whether you have these discussions with your patients during an in-person office or hospital encounter, through messages on your patient portal, at a telemedicine visit, or during consultation in your pharmacy, your strong vaccine recommendation is the most important part of the conversation.
COCA Call: Underlying CDC Working Group’s Technical Report on Myocarditis
Date Added: 6/17/2021
The VaST session on May 17, 2021, included several presentations on myocarditis following mRNA vaccines, from the Department of Defense (DoD), the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), and Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). There were also brief updates from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) groups about their plans for future investigation of myocarditis.
COCA Call: Underlying Medical Conditions and Severe COVID-19: Evidence-based Information for Healthcare Providers
Date Added: 6/17/2021
During this COCA Call, presenters updated clinicians on the underlying medical conditions associated with severe COVID-19, described the methods used to rate the evidence linking conditions to severe COVID-19, reviewed the evidence on risk for conditions included, and provided resources for healthcare providers caring for patients with underlying medical conditions.
Science Brief: COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination
Date Added: 6/17/2021
In this scientific brief, we summarize evidence available through May 19, 2021, for the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines (administered according to the recommended schedules) and additional considerations used to inform public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people, including:
- Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Vaccine performance against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant viruses
- Impact of other prevention measures in the context of vaccination
Clinical Considerations: NIOSH-approved Respirators
Date Added: 6/17/2021
The supply and availability of NIOSH-approved respirators have increased significantly over the last several months. Healthcare facilities should not be using crisis capacity strategies at this time and should promptly resume conventional practices. Check the NIOSH Certified Equipment List to identify all NIOSH-approved respirators.
Clinical Considerations: Making Masks for the Workplace: Interim Guidance from NIOSH on New Masks Which Build Upon the ASTM
Date Added: 6/17/2021
NIOSH recommends a new standard in masks, called Workplace Performance and Workplace Performance Plus masks, for workplaces. Manufacturing masks that comply with the new NIOSH criteria can help protect people in the workplace from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These masks cannot be used as a replacement for respiratory protection when it is needed.
CDC COVID-19 Resource: Post-COVID Conditions: Information for Healthcare Providers
Date Added: 5/12/2021
Some patients who have been infected with SARS-COV-2 have new, recurring, or ongoing symptoms and clinical findings more than four weeks after infection, sometimes after initial symptom recovery. Post-COVID conditions can occur in patients who had varying degrees of illness during acute infection, including those who had mild or asymptomatic infections. Medical and research communities are still learning about these post-acute symptoms and clinical findings.
CDC COVID-19 Resource: COVID-19 Science Update released: April 23, 2021 Edition 86
Date Added: 5/12/2021
To help inform CDC’s COVID-19 Response, as well as to help CDC staff stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 research, the Response’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer has collaborated with the CDC Office of Library Science to create a series called COVID-19 Science Update.
CDC COVID-19 Resource: Scientific Brief: SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Date Added: 5/12/2021
This scientific brief has been updated to reflect that although how we understand transmission occurs has shifted, the ways to prevent infection with this virus have not. Modes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission are categorized here as inhalation of virus, deposition of virus on exposed mucous membranes, and touching mucous membranes with soiled hands contaminated with virus. All prevention measures that CDC recommends remain effective for these forms of transmission.
Updated Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions and Disposition of Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Settings
Date Added: 3/25/2021
This is a link to the CDC external resources regarding patients who are severely immunocompromised could remain infectious more than 20 days after symptom onset. Consultation with infectious diseases specialists is recommended; use of a test-based strategy for determining when to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions could be considered.
Interim Guidance on Duration of Isolation and Precautions for Adults with COVID-19
Date Added: 2/25/2021
This link covers interim guidance on duration of isolation and precautions for adults with COVID-19.
Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators
Date Added: 2/17/2021
This document offers a series of strategies or options to optimize supplies of disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (commonly called “N95 respirators”) in healthcare settings when there is limited supply. This guidance has been updated to include clarifications on use of facemasks as a crisis capacity strategy.
Project Firstline Resources
Date Added: 1/20/2021
This is a link to the CDC COVID-19 external resource. The Project Firstline website just expanded and it’s now easier than ever to stay up to date on the latest information from CDC’s infection control training collaborative.
COVID Data Tracker
Date Added: 1/20/2021
This is a link to the CDC COVID-19 external resource where users can monitor the latest data for any county’s hospital admissions and occupied hospital and ICU beds in the COVID Data Tracker. Users can also search county data to find the latest hospital data, cases, deaths, and more.
Summary for Healthcare Facilities: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE during Shortages
Date Added: 1/20/2021
This is a link to the CDC COVID-19 external resource regarding strategies for optimizing the supply of PPE during shortages.
COVID-19 Webinar & Partner Calls Videos
Date Added: 1/6/2021
This is a link to the CDC COVID-19 external resource to COVID-19 webinars and partner calls.
COVID-19 Science Updates (Edition 70)
Date Added: 1/6/2021
To help inform CDC’s COVID-19 Response, as well as to help CDC staff stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 research, the Response’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer has collaborated with the CDC Office of Library Science to create a series called COVID-19 Science Update.
COVID-19 Science Updates
Date Added: 12/21/2020
To help inform CDC’s COVID-19 Response, as well as to help CDC staff stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 research, the Response’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer has collaborated with the CDC Office of Library Science to create a series called COVID-19 Science Update.
Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks
Date Added: 12/14/2020
Information regarding strategies for optimizing the supply of facemasks.
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Date Added: 12/14/2020
This guidance has been updated based on currently available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States.
Estimated Time: