Seasonal Infection Prevention Readiness: IP Mentor Monthly Digest – May Edition

Welcome to this month's IP Mentor® Monthly Digest—your go-to resource for practical, real-world infection prevention guidance.

As we move into the warmer months, it's important to recognize that infection prevention risks don't stay the same year-round. Seasonal changes can influence infection trends, environmental conditions, staff practices, and even regulatory priorities.

This month, we're focusing on seasonal readiness—ensuring your infection prevention program is prepared for the unique challenges that spring and summer can bring. From changing infection patterns to pest prevention and program alignment, now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive.

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This Month's Focus: Preparing Your Program for Seasonal Risks

We're focusing on:

• Reviewing seasonal infection trends and historical data

• Identifying environmental risks associated with warmer weather

• Strengthening core infection prevention practices

• Evaluating program alignment with current guidelines and expectations

Seasonal changes often create opportunities for small gaps to develop. Taking time to reassess now can help prevent larger issues later.

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Program Foundations: Start with Your Own Data

One of the most valuable tools in infection prevention is your own data.

Before making changes to your program, review previous spring and summer trends.

Ask yourself:

• Do certain infections increase during warmer months?

• Have there been recurring environmental concerns?

• Are there seasonal staffing or compliance challenges?

• Are there patterns that should influence this year's priorities?

Your Infection Prevention Plan should be a living document that evolves as risks change throughout the year.

IP TIP: Historical trends are often one of the best predictors of future challenges.

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Seasonal Spotlight: Infection Risks to Watch This Spring and Summer

As temperatures rise, several infection prevention concerns become more prominent.

Areas to monitor include:

• Gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Vector-borne diseases

• Foodborne illnesses

• Environmental conditions affected by temperature and humidity

  
  

Warmer weather can also increase outdoor activities, construction projects, and facility maintenance activities that may impact infection prevention efforts.

The goal is not to predict every challenge—but to understand where your risks are most likely to occur.

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Environment of Care Spotlight: Pest Prevention in Healthcare Settings

Spring and summer often bring increased pest activity.

Mosquitoes, flies, rodents, and other pests can create environmental concerns and contribute to infection prevention risks if not properly managed.

Best practices include:

• Eliminating standing water and potential breeding sites

• Maintaining facility grounds and landscaping

• Ensuring waste is properly managed

• Monitoring entry points and building integrity

• Collaborating with Environmental Services and pest management partners

IP TIP: The most effective pest management programs focus on prevention rather than response.

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Program Alignment Spotlight: Current Standards and Guidelines

Have you reviewed recent updates to the standards and guidelines that impact your facility?

Consider reviewing:

• NHSN updates and definitions

• CDC guidance

• CMS requirements

• OSHA standards

• State regulations and reportable disease requirements

• Accrediting organization standards

Maintaining a simple tracking system for new guidance can help ensure updates are reviewed, implemented, and documented appropriately.

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IP Mentor Insight

Successful infection prevention programs don't wait for problems to occur.

They anticipate seasonal changes.

They review trends.

They strengthen fundamentals.

They evaluate risks before they become findings.

And they continuously align their practices with current guidance and expectations.

Sometimes the most important work in infection prevention isn't responding to an event—it's preparing for one.

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Need Support?

This month, I've developed an IP Mentor® Infection Prevention Program Self-Assessment to help you quickly evaluate key areas of your program, including surveillance, rounding, Environment of Care activities, education, compliance, and survey readiness.

If you'd like a copy, simply email or message the word: ASSESSMENT

The assessment takes only a few minutes to complete and can help identify opportunities for strengthening your program before the busy summer months begin.

You don't have to figure it out alone.