Enterovirus D68 Update: CDC Recommends Additional Precautions As Enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, continues to spread across the United States, the CDC has released an official health advisory that provides guidelines for preventing the spread of the respiratory illness in healthcare settings. Although early cases of EV-D68 were confined to children and young adults, nine cases of the illness have now been confirmed at a nursing home in Kentucky. The strain is being described as rare and easily spread. It produces symptoms similar to a severe cold and can also cause difficulty breathing. Because the routes of transmission for EV-D68 are not fully understood, the CDC is now recommending that infection control guidelines in affected facilities include droplet precautions in addition to standard and contact precautions. Droplet precautions include: Placing the ill person in a private room with a closed door if possible Donning a facemask before entering the resident's room and keeping it on during close contact with the resident Wearing gloves, a gown and either goggles or a face shield if substantial spraying of respiratory fluids is anticipated Performing hand hygiene before and after touching the resident and after contact with respiratory secretions Instructing the resident to wear a facemask when leaving their room or coming into contact with other people Following respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette guidelines To learn more, click here. Professional Medical stocks a full range of infection control products, including personal protective equipment needed to adhere to droplet precautions. To learn more about our respirators, masks, gloves, gowns and more, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Scientists Develop Blood Test for Depression Diagnosis Scientists at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago have developed the first blood test to diagnose major depression in adults. The test also predicts whether depressed individuals will benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, allowing doctors to develop effective, individualized treatment plans. The test measures the levels of nine RNA blood markers to diagnose depression. It can also reveal the biological effects of cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients who received the therapy for 18 weeks and were no longer depressed showed changes in the levels of relevant RNA markers in their blood.

Currently, depression is diagnosed using subjective analysis and is based on non-specific symptoms such as poor mood, fatigue and a change in appetite, which can also be related to a number of other health concerns. The test is not yet ready to be marketed to healthcare professionals. First, the scientists plan to test their results in a larger population and determine whether the test can differentiate between major and bipolar depression. To learn more, click here.

SPECIAL PRICING: $12.95 per box!* The Gerson® 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator meets CDC guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. It provides respiratory protection for your entire staff, including doctors, nurses and maintenance personnel. Additional features: NIOSH N95 approved particulate respirator State-of-the-art filtration media provides comfortable breathing Electrostatically charged to enhance filtration Durable double-shell construction resists crushing and provides durability in hot, humid conditions Soft, comfortable outer layer and staple-free construction

*Special pricing available through November 30, 2014 or while supplies last. Product pricing is only visible to registered promedsupply.com customers. If you are not yet registered, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 and our Customer Care Professionals will be happy to get you set up.