Two scientific advances have provided the tools needed to end the HIV epidemic. First, for people who are not infected with HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 90%. Second, people living with HIV who get into medical care, take their HIV medicine and become virally suppressed are [...]
Influenza season has officially started in Arizona with the first locally-acquired case confirmed late last week. If you and your family haven't been vaccinated for influenza this season, the time is now. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months and older. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent influenza, but it [...]
International Infection Prevention Week, October 16 to 22, raises awareness of the role infection prevention plays to improve patient safety. The 2016 theme, "Break the Chain of Infection", emphasizes how easily infections and germs can be spread from person to person, and ways to break the chain at each link. The chain of infection has [...]
There is a common misconception that bullying is just a part of growing up. The reality is children who bully and those who are bullied can experience negative health outcomes that may last into adulthood. Bullying, like other forms of violence, is about power and control, and that power can be based on popularity, size [...]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 750,000 Americans travel out of the country each year for medical care. The most common reasons are for cosmetic surgery, dental work, and heart surgery. If you’re planning a medical tourism trip or find yourself receiving unplanned healthcare services while abroad, it’s important to [...]
Since the beginning of this year, public health, health care, and vector control partners have been working hard to prepare and protect Arizona communities. As of this week, 40 cases of Zika have been reported in Arizona, all in people who traveled to countries with ongoing Zika transmission. The CDC publishes a list of countries [...]
The Arizona Infectious Disease Resource (IDAZ) mobile app won a first place award in the professional category for the Health Education Media Maker Yearly Award (HEMMY.) The HEMMY award recognizes health education or patient education material produced in Arizona. IDAZ is a free mobile app—found in the Apple and Google Play stores—where Arizona healthcare providers [...]
There are several opportunities this October in Arizona and across the country to understand the benefits and impact of the National Health Service Corps. The service corps works to recruit and retain health care providers to work in underserved communities. The service corps increases access to care by supporting primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician [...]
The CDC has chosen the Students Taking A New Direction (STAND) as one of only two national models for youth prevention efforts to be featured in the revised CDC Best Practices User Guide: Youth Engagement–State and Community Interventions. STAND is a youth prevention program with more than 250 middle and high school youth participating in [...]
