Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Risk Departments during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: To explore the practice and application of infection prevention and control strategies in risk departments during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to formulate the infection prevention and control measures to provide advice and guidance in risk departments. Methods: According to the latest plan of diagnosis and treatment, prevention and control issued by the National Health Commission, expert advice and consensus, combined with the actual situation in our hospital, a series of infection prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in risk department was formulated. Results: During the epidemic period, the prevention and control measures of nine risk departments including emergency operation, anesthesiology, endoscopy center, blood purification center, otolaryngology, stomatology, medical imaging department, medical cosmetology department and pulmonary function room were established from six aspects, including pre-examination and screening, medical technology control, personnel management, personal protection, environmental disinfection, medical waste disposal, etc. Conclusion: During the epidemic period, the infection prevention and control strategy of risk departments is one of the key links to control the spread of the epidemic, and risk departments must pay attention to and strictly implement various infection prevention and control measures.

Combined prevention and treatment measures are essential to control nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a highly contagious positive-sense,single-stranded RNA virus that has rapidly spread worldwide.As of December 17,2023,772838745 confirmed cases including 6988679 deaths have been reported globally.This virus primarily spreads through droplets,airborne transmission,and direct contact.Hospitals harbor a substantial number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients and asymptomatic carriers,accompanied by high population density and a larger susceptible population.These factors serve as potential triggers for nosocomial infections,posing a threat during the COVID-19 pandemic.Nosocomial infections occur to varying degrees across different countries worldwide,emphasizing the urgent need for a practical approach to prevent and control the intra-hospital spread of COVID-19.This study primarily concentrated on a novel strategy combining preventive measures with treatment for combating COVID-19 nosocomial infections.It suggests preventive methods,such as vaccination,disinfection,and training of heathcare personnel to curb viral infections.Additionally,it explored therapeutic strategies targeting cellular inflammatory factors and certain new medications for COVID-19 patients.These methods hold promise in rapidly and effectively preventing and controlling nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a reliable reference for adopting preventive measures in the future pandemic.

Diabetes and susceptibility to COVID-19:Risk factors and preventive and therapeutic strategies

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a highly infectious disease caused by a novel human coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for infectious diseases with high prevalence and increased severity.Here,we elucidated the possible factors for the increased vulnerability of diabetic patients to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the more severe COVID-19 illness.The worsened prognosis of patients with both COVID-19 and diabetes may be attributable to host receptor angiotensinconverting enzyme 2-assisted viral uptake.Moreover,insulin resistance is often associated with impaired mucosal and skin barrier integrity,resulting in microbiota dysbiosis,which increases susceptibility to viral infections.It may also be associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting from an impaired immune system in diabetics,inducing a cytokine storm and excessive inflammation.This review describes diabetes mellitus and its complications,explains the risk factors,such as disease characteristics and patient lifestyle,which may contribute to the high susceptibility of diabetic patients to COVID-19,and discusses preventive and therapeutic strategies for COVID-19-positive diabetic patients.

Prevention program for the COVID-19 in a children’s digestive endoscopy center

The pneumonia caused by the coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)outbreak in Wuhan,China constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.The gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting,diarrhea and abdominal pain and the detection of COVID-19 nucleic acid from fecal specimens in a small number of patients suggest the possibility of transmission via the gastrointestinal tract.People of all ages are vulnerable to this virus,including children.Digestive endoscopy is an invasive procedure during which children cannot wear masks;therefore,they have higher risks of exposure to COVID-19,and the digestive endoscopy center is a relatively high-risk area for COVID-19 infection.Based on these factors and in combination with related policies and regulations,a prevention and control program for the COVID-19 pneumonia in a children's digestive endoscopy center was established to prevent the COVID-19 nosocomial infection.

Lifestyle factors in the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)

Confinement to the home and psychological distress due to the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemicmay lead to harmful health behaviors,such as overeating,sedentary behavior with reduced physical activity,elevated alcohol and tobacco use and increased screen time causing impaired sleep.All of these behaviors areassociated with non-communicable diseases and can interfere with immunity.While no foods,single nutrientsor dietary supplements are capable of preventing infection with COVID-19,a balanced diet containing sufficientamounts of macronutrients and diverse micronutrients is a prerequisite of an optimally functioning immunesystem.High-energy“Western”diets and obesity are major risk factors for a more severe course of COVID-19.Alcohol use and tobacco also have detrimental effects on the immune system.Therefore,population-wide bodyweight control,reduction of smoking rates and limitation of alcohol consumption are important preventivemeasures.Furthermore,sufficient restorative sleep is needed for adequate immune functioning.Appropriatelifestyle changes in regard to nutrition,exercise,sleep,smoking and alcohol intake may help shift the populationdistribution of infection risk and aid in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.Large-scale surveys should explorethe effects of lifestyle changes,and the provision of reliable lifestyle information and effective interventions toindividuals and communities during the pandemic is a pressing need.

Discussion on application of food-medicine homologous traditional Chinese medicine in prevention prescriptions for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

From sorting out and statistical analysis of 172 prevention prescriptions for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) put forward by government departments, medical institutions and TCM clinical experts in various provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, the results showed that food-medicine homologous traditional Chinese medicine (abbreviated as"food-medicine materials") such as honeysuckle, licorice, agastache, tangerine peel, fresh reed rhizome, perilla and platycodon are used most frequently. Combined with TCM theory and modern pharmacology analysis, not only deeper understandin/g of the application value of food-medicine materials, but also reference value of their daily use and development of related products reference in the future is expected to be acquired.

Management strategy of prevention and control of nosocomial infection of COVID-19 in blood purification center

There are many patients in the blood purification center who need maintenance hemodialysis to maintain life. Those patients generally havelow resistance and are easily exposed to coronavirus because they go back and forth the hospital and residence three times a week andclosely contact with family, caregivers, community personnel, people in various means of transportation, medical staff, and other patientsvisiting hospital. Therefore, the blood purification center has become a high‑risk environment for the spread of COVID-19 infection. In viewof this, our center quickly responded to the formulation and implementation of infection prevention and control measures suitable for thecharacteristics of the blood purification center and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) emergency plan for fever and suspectedpatients. According to these measures, we have a positive effect on preventing and controlling nosocomial infection in the blood purificationcenter.

Network Pharmacology Approach to Investigate the Preventive Mechanism of Hunan Expert Group Recommended Chinese Medicine Prevention No.2 Prescription Against COVID-19

Objective To explore the possible preventive mechanism of Hunan expert group recommended Chinese medicine prescription of No.2(Pre-No.2)against coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)by network pharmacology method.Methods The target proteins of effective components and active compounds in Pre-No.2 were screened by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP).A component-target-disease interaction network of Pre-No.2 was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2,gene ontology(GO)analysis,and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)analysis of target protein pathway by DAVID.Results A total of 163 compounds and 278 target protein targets in Pre-No.2 were collected from the TCMSP database.Kaempferol,wogonin,7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone,formononetin,isorhamnetin,and licochalcone A were the most frequent targets in the regulatory network.GO enrichment analysis showed that Pre-No.2 regulated response to virus,viral processes,humoral immune responses,defense responses to virus and viral entry into host cells.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the formula regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway,B cell receptor signaling pathway,viral carcinogenesis,T cell signaling pathway and FcγR-mediated phagocytosis signaling pathway.Conclusions Pre-No.2 may play a preventive role against COVID-19 through regulation of the Toll-like signaling,T cell signaling,B cell signaling and other signaling pathways.It may regulate the immune system to protect against anti-influenza virus.

Prevention and control measures to further optimize COVID-19 response

On November 11,2022,the Chinese government released the Scientific and Targeted Prevention and Control Measures to Optimize COVID-19 Response.Since that time,adjusted measures have been implemented throughout China,leading to major shifts in implementation of the national prevention and control strategy.On the basis of the current situation of the epidemic and the evolving SARS-Cov-2 variants,an additional 10 specifications(referred to as“the 10-point measures”)were officially released on December 7,2022,in an effort to further optimize the prevention and control measures.The latest adjustments pertain to the specification of:precise delineation of high-risk areas,nucleic acid testing scheme,isolation and health monitoring,restriction and lifting of high-risk areas,medicine supply,vaccination rollout among older people,health status of key populations,social functioning,and campus response.

Scientific and targeted prevention and control measures to optimize COVID-19 response

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping,China has made firm decisions to prioritize people's lives and health.Efforts have been made to avoid foreign imported infection and domestic rebound of COVID-19 cases;the“dynamic zero COVID”policy has been executed without wavering;and the prevention and control measures have been optimized and improved in response to changing circumstances,actively responding to the impact caused by multiple waves of COVID-19 surge globally.China has made extraordinary efforts to safeguard people's lives and health.Meanwhile,prevention and control measures were timely updated to coordinate with economic and social development.On November 10,the Standing Committee of the Central Political Bureau held a meeting to discuss the latest situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.Twenty measures(referred to as“the 20-point measures”)were officially announced to further optimize the COVID-19 response.The latest prevention and control measures involve the requirements and guidance for isolation at home,high-risk area delineation,nucleic acid testing,international inbound flights and travelers,vaccination rollout,medical resource preparedness,and protection for special places and vulnerable population.

Effects of policies and containment measures on control of COVID- 19 epidemic in Chongqing

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an emerging,rapidly evolving disease that spreads through the respiratory system and is highly contagious.In March 2020,the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.In China,the pandemic was controlled after 2 mo through effective policies and containment measures.Describing the detailed policies and containment measures used to control the epidemic in Chongqing will provide a reference for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in other areas of the world.AIM To explore the effects of different policies and containment measures on the control of the COVID-19 epidemic in Chongqing.METHODS Epidemiological data on COVID-19 in Chongqing were prospectively collected from January 21 to March 15,2020.The policies and prevention measures implemented by the government during the epidemic period were also collected.Trend analysis was performed to explore the impact of the main policy measures on the effectiveness of the control of COVID-19 in Chongqing.As of March 15,the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in Chongqing was 1.84/100000(576 cases)and the infection fatality rate was 1.04%(6/576).The spread of COVID-19 was controlled by effective policies that involved establishing a group for directing the COVID-19 epidemic control effort;strengthening guidance and supervision;ensuring the supply of daily necessities and medical supplies and equipment to residents;setting up designated hospitals;implementing legal measures;and enhancing health education.Medical techniques were implemented to improve the recovery rate and control the epidemic.Policies such as“the lockdown of Wuhan”,“initiating a first-level response to major public health emergencies”,and“implementing the closed management of residential communities”significantly curbed the spread of COVID-19.Optimizing the diagnosis process,shortening the diagnosis time,and constructing teams of clinical experts facilitated the provision of“one team of medical experts for each patient”treatment for severe patients,which significantly improved the recovery rate and reduced the infection fatality rate.CONCLUSION The prevention policies and containment measures implemented by the government and medical institutions are highly effective in controlling the spread of the epidemic and increasing the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients.

Prevention of Nosocomial COVID-19 Infections in a Designated Hospital for Children in Guangzhou, China

Background: Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center was chosen as the designated facility for screening, diagnosing, and treating children in Guangzhou with SARS-CoV-2 infection after the COVID-19 outbreak in China. From January 23 to March 20, 2020, the center opened new wards for screening and treatment, taking measures to prevent and control nosocomial infections. This article summarizes and evaluates measures for preventing and controlling nosocomial infections to provide reference information during the pandemic. Methods: The COVID-19 nosocomial infection prevention and control strategies were summarized and analyzed, including the formulation of the hospital partition, the improvement of the hospitalization process, environmental cleaning and disinfection, graded protection based on risk assessment, enhanced training on-site quality control inspection, data monitoring and evaluation, among others, and evaluating the effects by comparing before and after the intervention. Results: There were 159 patients admitted to the screening wards, including 98 males and 61 females, with a median age of 34 years (interquartile range (IQR): 15, 60) months. There were no abnormal findings in these patients and their families during follow-up. During the screening ward opening period, hand hygiene compliance was significantly improved. Fifty staff members in close contact with the contaminated area had tested for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which showed zero infections and no nosocomial infections occurred. Conclusions: For SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infections, taking the “standard prevention & contact isolation & droplet isolation & air isolation” strategies can prevent patients and staff effectively.

Development of a protocol for videoconferencing-based exposure and response prevention treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND The existing literature indicates that psychotherapeutic treatment,especially exposure and response prevention(ERP)is efficacious in treating obsessivecompulsive disorder(OCD).The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic adversely impacted many patients with OCD and disrupted their usual treatment.Moreover,the pandemic forced a global switch to telemental health(TMH)services to maintain the standards and continuity of care.Consequently,clinicians are increasingly using TMH-based psychotherapeutic treatments to treat OCD.However,several challenges have made it difficult for them to implement these treatments in the changed circumstances imposed by the pandemic.AIM To describe the formulation,implementation,feasibility,and usefulness of videoconferencing-based ERP(VC-ERP)treatment for OCD during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.METHODS This prospective,observational study was conducted in the psychiatric unit of a multi-specialty hospital in north India over 12 mo(July 2020-June 2021).All patients with OCD were assessed using the home-based TMH services of the department.The VC-ERP protocol for OCD was the outcome of weekly Zoom meetings with a group of clinicians involved in administering the treatment.After a systematic evaluation of the available treatment options,an initial protocol for delivering VC-ERP was developed.Guidelines for clinicians and educational materials for patients and their families were prepared.The protocol was implemented among patients with OCD attending the TMH services,and their progress was monitored.The weekly meetings were used to upgrade the protocol to meet the needs of all stakeholders.Feasibility and efficacy outcomes were examined.RESULTS All patients were diagnosed with OCD as a primary or a comorbid condition according to the International Classification of Diseases,10th version criteria.Out of 115 patients who attended the services during the study period,37 were excluded from the final analysis.Of the remaining 78 patients,VC-ERP was initiated in 43 patients.Six patients dropped out,and three were hospitalized for inpatient ERP.Eleven patients have completed the full VC-ERP treatment.One patient completed the psychoeducation part of the protocol.VC-ERP is ongoing in 22 patients.The protocol for VC-ERP treatment was developed and upgraded online.A large proportion of the eligible patients(n=34/43;79%)actively engaged in the VC-ERP treatment.Drop-out rates were low(n=6/43;14%).Satisfaction with the treatment was adequate among patients,caregivers,and clinicians.Apart from hospitalization in 3 patients,there were no other adverse events.Hybrid care and stepped care approaches could be incorporated into the VC-ERP protocol.Therefore,the feasibility of VC-ERP treatment in terms of operational viability,service utilization,service engagement,need for additional in-person services,frequency of adverse events,and user satisfaction was adequate.The VC-ERP treatment was found to be efficacious in the 11 patients who had completed the full treatment.Significant reductions in symptoms and maintenance of treatment gains on follow-up were observed.CONCLUSION This study provided preliminary evidence for the feasibility and usefulness of VC-ERP in the treatment of OCD.The results suggest that VC-ERP can be a useful option in resource-constrained settings.

Prevention and control strategy of COVID-19 in the "Internet +" era

Since December 2019, several cases of coronavirus infected disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. COVID-19 has been rapid spread in other provinces of China and abroad. The prevention and control of outbreak is particularly important. Based on the development of network and medical and health resources in the context of the "Internet +" era, this article discusses strategies for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in the "Internet +" era, and provides a reference for the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control.

Prevention and Treatment of “Epidemic Toxin, Pathogenic Dampness, and Lung Deficiency” after COVID-19 Recovery Based on the Theory of “Preventive Treatment of Diseases” in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Due to the sequelae and recurrence in patients with COVID-19 after recovery.This article,based on lire theory of“preventive treatment of diseases”in traditional Chinese medicine,winch believes that the three pathogenic factors of epidemic toxin,dampness,and lung deficiency are the fundamental causes of the recurrence of COVID-19.The treatment strategies are to remove pathogenic factors,strengthen qi,nourish yin,clear heat,moisten dryness,and at the same time,reinforce the lung,spleen and kidney,and soothe the liver.Through a variety of treatments such as oral administration,external treatment,and skin absorption,it provides a new idea and method for the management of the recurrence of COVID-19.

The Prevention and Control Measures of COVID-19 in the People’s Hospital of Pingchang County

COVID-19 (COVID-19) or COVID-19 is pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus infection in patients in 2019. COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic is widespread, wide, and deep. To effectively combat the further spread of COVID-19: the overall protocol of the hospital: “three lines of defense” of community prevention and control, fever clinic and face-to-face treatment;grasp the good three-time limits: “2 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours”;do a good job of three key points: key areas and places and groups;carry out four early prevention and control measures: early detection, early reporting, early isolation and early treatment;management of confirmed, suspected, fever, close contact “four types of personnel”;implement l responsibility system;doing all receivable, should be treated, should be checked, should be separated by “four should be”;do investigation, control, supervision, education, and care “five in place”. Through the above methods, the People’s Hospital of Pingchang County has effectively controlled COVID-19.

Review: The vital role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and the etiology and pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 based on TCM theory

"Yi"is defined in traditional Chinese medicine theory as the general pathological conditions of epidemics.Throughout thousands of years of history,TCM has been playing an essential role in preventing and treating epidemics in China.Showing significant efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS)in 2002 and 2003,a medical intervention involving TCM was applied at the beginning of the pandemic of the corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19),and has been found with good preventive and curative value in clinical practice.In this study,the etiology and pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 was discussed on a TCM theory basis,and the clinically effective prevention and treatment methods/prescriptions were summarized.It is suggested that TCM has been playing a unique and vital role in preventing and treating COVID-19,and thus contributes greatly to public health.

The Application of the “3 + 1” Mode in the COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control at the Infection Ward of a Designated Comprehensive Hospital for COVID-19 Treatment

Objective: We assess the application effect of the “3 + 1” mode in the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control at the infection ward of a designated comprehensive hospital for COVID-19 treatment. Method: Based on the features of the inpatients of the infection ward and their relatives, a “3 + 1” mode for the COVID-19 prevention and control is developed to conform to the demands for epidemic prevention and control and the overall prevention and control scheme of the whole hospital. Here, “3” stands for the epidemic prevention and control system, personnel management, and prevention and control measures;“1” stands for COVID-19 testing. Result: From March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, a total of 3056 patients were hospitalized in the three infection wards. Among them, 265 patients had a fever, and 113 patients had respiratory symptoms. None of them were infected with COVID-19. The participation rate of the test about the knowledge related to COVID-19 and the knowledge mastery rate were both 100% among the medical staff. None of the inpatients and their companions or the medical staff was diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion: Thus the “3 + 1” mode proves successful for avoiding nosocomial infection and the spread of the epidemic.

Development and application of the standard for infrared intelligent body temperature measurement system in the normalized COVID-19 prevention and control

In the phase of the normalized COVID-19 prevention and control,non-contact temperature measurement is one of the most efficient and convenient methods for initial screening of suspected cases.In the year of 2020 in Wuhan,such non-contact equipment was urgently demanded,standards development in the traditional way cannot satisfy the market needs.So,the research and development of this standard for infrared intelligent body temperature measurement system was carried out in a rapid way.

Preliminary study on nutritional diet management in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in China

Through the painstaking efforts,the situation of epidemic prevention and control is now developing in a positive direction.Nutritional Diet health management is an important part of health management.The main objective of nutritional diet health management is to improve the clinical outcomes,quality of life and cost-effectiveness ratio of patients with COVID-19 through standardized nutritional support,nutritional diet supplement and medical nutritional diet therapy,for the benefit of patients with COVID-19.