Sterile processing departments (SPD) can be found anywhere reusable surgical instrumentation is used, from quiet ambulatory centers to bustling trauma centers. Departments vary in size and hours, but their mission is identical: to deliver accurate, functional, and safe instruments that may touch dozens of patients in a single day and influence their treatment.

With such a unique workflow and many moving parts, we will examine 3 areas of the department: decontamination, assembly, and sterilization, across 2 phases of the shift: morning and afternoon. Although each facility is different, and the exact timing will vary, join us as we spend a day in the life of a sterile processing professional.

Before the day can begin, all equipment needs to be tested and verified to be operational, including washer/disinfectors, ultrasonics, automatic enzymatic dosing machines, and sterilizers. If failures or downtime occur, and troubleshooting does not work, shift leaders are notified, and work orders are placed.

Shift huddles gather the oncoming and outgoing shifts together for 10 to 15 minutes of formal and intentional communication. The huddle covers equipment updates, instrument priorities, and surgery volume for the day. It is also the time to provide department updates and any other crucial information that may impact the shift or the day.

Everyone then reports to their assigned location and gets to work. Decontamination technicians don appropriate personal protective equipment and dive in. With peak volume starting around 9 AM, it will be constant hustle and bustle as they balance manual cleaning with keeping washers loaded and running. Interruptions are a part of the job, such as the request to prioritize trays that will be required again later in the day, troubleshoot a washer’s error message, or calm a stressed operating room (OR) contact. The technicians’ day hums along at a constant and consistent pace.

Prep-and-pack technicians stock their stations, log into their computers, and tackle leftover trays from yesterday first. By 10 AM, instrument sets from the first cases come through decontamination;
a steady stream of trays continues throughout the day.

Prep-and-pack technicians experience more juggling as they field phone calls, keep washers empty, and interact with surgical staff and vendors coming and going. Technicians may have to pivot from one instrument set to another as priorities shift throughout the day, always balancing speed with accuracy.

Technicians assigned to sterilization will log into their computers, verify that testing has been completed, and set up their daily routine. They balance the operations of multiple sterilizers, including steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, each with different requirements and operational capacities. This will include diligent recordkeeping as they record load contents and biological results and ensure instruments are adequately cooled or quarantined until the biological test passes, when they can safely move them to storage.

The afternoon brings a steady flow of work, pivots, productivity, and a continuous line of visitors looking for assistance, input, or updates. Lunch reliefs stagger to keep work moving. Midshift techs arrive just as the second wave of instruments rolls in.

The work is relentless. Decontamination technicians will continue their responsibilities and may receive a request to move instrumentation to the top of the line for same-day turnover. They will also receive parts of used instruments from OR and ambulatory settings and accept them in loaner trays. They will audit for point-of-use treatment before moving the instruments into the first phase of the reprocessing cycle: manual cleaning.

For SPDs with tracking systems, detailed records will be carefully logged as technicians scan trays throughout the process; tracking instrumentation along its entire life cycle can include “receipt” into SPD and each subsequent step, such as load records for washer/disinfectors, cart washers, and even drying cabinets for real-time traceability.

In the organized chaos, a hurried vendor may drop off instruments for an urgent need that changes the course of direction for an unsuspecting technician.

If you ever wander past the door of decontamination, you may hear the faint beat of music as a tool to keep technicians focused and pass the time. Assembly technicians will continue inspecting, testing, and assembling clean instruments and preparing them for sterilization. This may include research, a hunt for replacement instruments, and peer auditing assembled trays to verify accuracy and completeness before the sterilizer.

Our assembly techs will also be the first to be stopped by phone calls and visitors, including vendors, OR staff, and clinics coming for support or to pick up equipment. They may even welcome a stressed nurse or coordinator requesting a tray that cannot be immediately located; the SPD will need to be equipped to answer or provide insight to help defuse the situation. The continuous need to be flexible and adaptable is a necessary skill set for SPD technicians.

Sterilization technicians have found their rhythm and constantly rotate between sterilizers, loading, recording, monitoring, and sorting. During this time, they defend sterile integrity and advocate for the space between the sterilizer and the storage unit, where instruments cool to safe handling temperatures and confidently verify the biological results of each load.

First shift prepares work areas for the oncoming shift and does the necessary peer-to-peer handoff. They gather for their shift huddle, where ongoing updates will be shared. The process will continue into the late hours, with the steady hum of machines. SPD will continue to ensure instruments are safe, ready, and available for the patients in need; the SPD never sleeps.

Although this is a very high-level look into the processes, disruptions, and pivots that make up the day in the life of an SPD technician, so much more goes into their job and professional development. SPD technicians are more than operators; they are mentors, educators, and ambassadors for patient safety. Some days, they guide students through the department. Other days, they attend OR tours or in-services to strengthen their connection to the surgical teams they serve.

At the end of a technician’s day, no 2 days are the same. They never know what challenges they will face when they start their shift. However, every phone call, last-minute change, and instrument delivered to an OR table or other location where these vital instruments are needed is part of a career where precision meets purpose. In every instrument they prepare and every challenge they overcome, sterile processing professionals embody the quiet strength and unwavering dedication that keep safe surgeries—and patient lives—possible.

1.	Vo U. Why OR leaders should revisit sterile processing basics. 

. February 27, 2024. Accessed August 2025. https://www.ormanager.com/why-or-leaders-should-revisit-sterile-processing-basics/

Articles

What is a day in the life of a sterile processing department technician like? Read this article by Hannah Schroeder, BSHA, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, to find out.

A Day in the Life: SPD Technician

in the US in 2013, one thing has remained consistent: how difficult it can be to stop the perpetuation of an outbreak. 

 is an opportunistic pathogen that was first isolated from the ear of a patient in Japan in 2009 and quickly spread around the world.

 Once infected, patients usually become colonized with 

 in the nares or skin, which results in long-term shedding ofthe fungi into the environment. Prior evidence has shown colonization of over 200 days in some patients, which allows innumerable opportunities for this pathogen to spread across health care environments.

Patient shedding leads to contamination of the patient environment, which, through inadequate hand hygiene and environmental disinfection practices, allows for horizontal transmission through a health care facility. Welsh et al found that 

 was able to survive on plastic health care surfaces for 2 weeks, which can perpetuate outbreaks.

 Additionally, Pacilli et al found continued contamination of patient care equipment like blood pressure cuffs and temperature probes despite the use of a sporicidal disinfectant.

 Invasive devices, such as central lines, can also become colonized and cause long-term infections in patients with such devices. Unfortunately, 

 has multiple mechanisms that allow the pathogen to thrive and survive in the environment.

 environment persistence can be due to several factors: It can adhere to and survive on moist or dry surfaces, including medical equipment, patient room surfaces, and even fabrics for days to weeks. It can form a biofilm and has an intrinsic resistance to certain disinfectants. 

’s ability to adhere to environmental surfaces, medical devices, and even patient skin has been well documented.

 This is theorized to be due partly to a newly characterized adhesin named Surface Colonization Factor 1 (SCF1), which differentiates 

 Researchers theorize that this SCF1 adhesin, a molecule found on the surface of bacteria or fungi, allows 

 to bind to surfaces more effectively and makes removal more difficult. Like most other 

 can form a biofilm, a community of cells contained within an extracellular matrix.This extracellular matrix provides additional protection to the cells against disinfectant exposure and makes them hardier, allowing them to survive on surfaces even when the biofilm dries.

 is intrinsically resistant to some of the most used health care disinfectants. Prior research showed that 

 was resistant to almost all quaternary ammonium and hydrogen peroxide–based disinfectants.

 Only chlorine-based disinfectants and those with a sporicidal claim were shown to be effective against 

 and stop outbreaks before they begin, infection preventionists must ensure the perfect trifecta of people, products, and practices is in place to mitigate transmission. First, all persons should be trained on adhering to transmission-based precautions, including the correct donning and doffing of personal protective equipment to prevent further spread of the pathogen. Second, the appropriate product with a kill claim specifically for 

 should be used when there is a suspected or confirmed case. The contact time, which can vary from 1 to 10 minutes, should be looked up and adhered to. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a list, aptly named List P, which includes all antimicrobial products that have a kill claim specifically for 

Finally, the personnel responsible for the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and patient equipment should all be trained in proper practices. The hospital policy or standard operating procedure should do this, and all stakeholders, including nursing leadership, environmental services, and infection prevention, should monitor practices. This helps ensure adherence to utilizing the correct product, dwell/contact time, and order of cleaning. Although preventing transmission of 

 can be difficult, understanding how it is transmitted, using effective disinfectant products, and practicing correct disinfection procedures can prevent outbreaks and protect patients, staff, and visitors. 

1.	Satoh K, Makimura K, Hasumi Y, Nishiyama Y, Uchida K, Yamaguchi H. 

 sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast isolated from the external ear canal of an inpatient in a Japanese hospital. 

l. 2009;53(1):41-44. doi:10.1111/j.1348-0421.2008.00083.x

2.	Adams E, Quinn M, Tsay S, et al; Candida auris Investigation Workgroup. Candida auris in healthcare facilities, New York, USA, 2013-2017. 

. 2018;24(10):1816-1824. doi:10.3201/eid2410.180649

3.	Welsh RM, Bentz ML, Shams A, et al. Survival, persistence, and isolation of the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast Candida auris on a plastic health care surface. 

2017;55(10):2996-3005. doi:10.1128/JCM.00921-17

4.	Pacilli M, Kerins JL, Clegg WJ, et al. Regional emergence of Candida auris in Chicago and lessons learned from intensive follow-up at 1 ventilator-capable skilled nursing facility. 

2020;71(11):e718-e725. doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa435

5.	Akinbobola AB, Kean R, Hanifi SMA, Quilliam RS. Environmental reservoirs of the drug-resistant pathogenic yeast 

. 2023;19(4):e1011268. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1011268

6.	Dire O, Ahmad A, Duze S, Patel M. Survival of Candida auris on environmental surface materials and low-level resistance to disinfectant. 

 2023;137:17-23. doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2023.04.007

7.	Santana DJ, Anku JAE, Zhao G, et al. A 

-specific adhesin, Scf1, governs surface association, colonization, and virulence. Science. 2023;381(6665):1461-1467. doi:10.1126/science.adf8972

8.	Haq MF, Pearlmutter BS, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ. Efficacy of 23 commonly used liquid disinfectants against 

2024;45(1):127-131. doi:10.1017/ice.2023.157

9.	EPA’s registered antimicrobial products effective against 

 (List P). US Environmental Protection Agency. Updated April 1, 2025. Accessed August 5, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/epas-registered-antimicrobial-products-effective-against-candida-auris-list

Candida auris is the pathogen that won’t take a hint—clinging to surfaces, nesting in biofilms, and outlasting rushed wipe-downs. Yet the chemistries potent enough to kill it can be punishing to people, devices, and environments. This piece tackles the tightrope: how to choose, use, and verify C auris effective disinfection without trading one risk for another.

Toxic and Tenacious: Disinfection Dilemmas With Candida auris

, initially identified in Japan in 2009, is an emerging multidrug-resistant type of fungus that is also classified as a yeast that can cause severe illness among patients, creating a significant global health threat in health care settings.

As part of my job as an infection preventionist (IP), I have witnessed the profound impact of emerging pathogens in health care settings, among which 

 stands out.
Misinformation and assumptions have surrounded this organism, which is not a newly discovered one. Clarifying these misconceptions and providing evidence-based truths that people need to know is critical.

This article aims to clarify some of the most common myths surrounding 

 by providing proven facts and offering practical tips for IPs to help our battle against this pathogen.

 demonstrates an alarming multidrug resistance to multiple classes of antifungals, rendering the regular treatment strategies ineffective. 

 can also survive on surfaces and equipment for weeks, a key factor in its transmission within health care settings if the proper environmental disinfectant is not used. 

mimics multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in its transmission via direct and indirect contact, which necessitates the implementation of contact precautions, unlike other 

 as a distinct MDRO. Implement enhanced infection control precautions, environmental cleaning, and communication between departments or hospitals to prevent further spread.

Myth 2: Only immunocompromised patients are at risk

Immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant, or on immunosuppressive therapy, are at higher risk for developing invasive 

 can also infect nonimmunocompromised patients, especially those with indwelling devices (eg, central lines and urinary catheters), those with prolonged hospital stays, and those with frequent or prolonged exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Colonization is another concern, as some patients can carry 

 on their skin without exhibiting any symptoms of infection. However, they can still shed the organism into their environment, and hence could be easily spread to vulnerable patients through the contaminated environment.

Do not limit screening to immunocompromised patients. Consider all the risk factors to identify patients at risk for colonization or infection.

Myth 3: Hand hygiene is not as critical with fungal pathogens

 Hand hygiene is critical in the prevention of transmission of 

, and it remains the most effective way in preventing the spread of infectious pathogens, including 

 is transmitted through direct contact with colonized or infected individuals and indirectly through contact via health care workers’ hands or contaminated surfaces or medical equipment in a patient room. Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are effective against 

 when performed correctly and consistently (before and after touching a patient or a patient’s surroundings).

 Reinforce consistent use of ABHRs or proper handwashing techniques as part of a multimodal strategy. Continuous education, training, and hand hygiene auditing are key elements in preventing the spread of infections.

Myth 4: All routine disinfectants are sufficient for environmental cleaning

Not all routine disinfectants are effective against 

 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) List P identifies the disinfectants that meet efficacy criteria against 

 Facilities must verify that their disinfectants are on this list and ensure compliance with contact times. Failure to observe the required contact time leads to false assurance of environmental cleanliness and persistence of the organism on surfaces. Environmental cleaning protocols should emphasize routine disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

Facilities should audit their disinfectant inventory. Verify that all products used for environmental cleaning and equipment disinfecting are listed on EPA List P. Ensure staff are trained to use disinfectant products effectively. (

Myth 5: Screening and surveillance are only necessary if there is an outbreak

Waiting for an outbreak to occur is too late; transmission may have already occurred, affecting multiple patients or different areas in the hospital. Proactive, rather than reactive, screening and surveillance help detect colonized patients early and prevent outbreaks.

The CDC recommends proactive screening for 

 colonization/infection in patients who meet specific criteria, which typically include recent health care exposure outside the US (within the past year); patients transferred from facilities with ongoing or recent 

 transmission; and history of colonization with other MDROs.

 Establish criteria for admission screening based on the patient’s risk factors. Place colonized patients under contact precautions and maintain rigorous environmental cleaning to mitigate the spread. Early identification is the key to preventing an outbreak.

 is not recommended or shown to be effective.

Colonization can persist for months, even after apparent clinical resolution. There should be strict adherence to transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning with appropriate agents, and ongoing surveillance cultures in outbreak settings.

 Early identification through surveillance cultures can prevent facility-wide outbreaks. Do not assume a patient is clear from 

 unless repeated negative cultures are obtained.

 is easily identified by standard laboratory methods

 poses a diagnostic challenge because it often looks and behaves similarly to other 

), making it difficult to distinguish without specialized methods.

Many standard laboratory systems, including commonly used biochemical identification platforms, misidentify it, which delays appropriate treatment and infection prevention measures.

 Confirm with your microbiology lab whether its current systems can accurately identify 

. If there are limitations, implement a protocol that sends suspicious isolates to a public health lab (eg, CDC or state lab) for confirmatory testing. Early and accurate identification is key to timely infection control action.

 is not like other fungal pathogens, so we should deal with it differently. As IPs, our role is to educate staff, emphasize the importance of environmental cleaning, reinforce hand hygiene adherence and other infection control practices, and stay updated with evolving guidelines from the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services.

spreads easily in health care settings and can cause outbreaks. 

can colonize patients for months, persist on surfaces, and is not killed by some commonly used health care facility disinfectants. Hand hygiene, appropriate precautions, and environmental disinfection prevent and control outbreaks.

By addressing different myths with evidence-based action, we can help contain the spread of this pathogen. 

1.	Vila T, Sultan AS, Montelongo-Jauregui D, Jabra-Rizk MA. Candida auris: a fungus with identity crisis. 

. 2020;78(4):ftaa034. doi:10.1093/femspd/ftaa034

2.	Tetz G, Tetz V. Bacterial extracellular DNA promotes β-amyloid aggregation. 

Microorganisms. 2021;9(6):1301. doi:10.3390/microorganisms9061301

. CDC. Updated July 25, 2023. Accessed August 5, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/candida-auris/

4.	EPA’s registered antimicrobial products effective against 

 (List P). Environmental Protection Agency. Updated April 1, 2025. Accessed on August 5, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-p-antimicrobial- 

products-registered-epa-claims-against-candida-auris

New York State Department of Health. Updated July 2025. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/c_auris/

Candida auris is a fast-spreading, multidrug-resistant fungus that demands vigilance. Infection preventionists must cut through myths with evidence-based action to protect patients and facilities. 

Stop the Spread of C auris:  Know the Myths and Follow the Science

More than 5 years have passed since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In that time, the global scientific community has conducted extensive research, developed effective vaccines, and implemented public health strategies that have saved millions of lives. Yet despite this progress, COVID-19 continues to circulate worldwide, causing infections, hospitalizations, and long-term health complications. According to the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of August 2025, viral activity remains moderate to high across much of the US, with wastewater surveillance indicating rising transmission in 45 states.

 Although the virus itself remains a threat, misinformation about COVID-19 has become a parallel epidemic, one that undermines public health efforts and endangers lives.

Myth #1: Foods, Drinks, or Supplements Can Prevent or Cure COVID-19

From garlic and ginger to zinc and vitamin D, countless foods and supplements have been promoted as miracle solutions against COVID-19. Although nutrition is vital in supporting immune function, no dietary component has been scientifically proven to prevent or cure SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vitamin D, for example, has been studied extensively. Although deficiency may correlate with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, randomized controlled trials have not shown that supplementation prevents COVID-19.

 Zinc and vitamin C, often associated with shortened cold duration, have similarly failed to demonstrate efficacy against COVID-19 in clinical settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly emphasized that no food, drink, or supplement can replace vaccination or public health measures in preventing COVID-19.

 Herbal remedies, despite their popularity, lack the rigorous testing required to validate their effectiveness against this virus.

Concerns about vaccine safety have been among the most damaging myths of the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines underwent extensive clinical trials before receiving emergency use authorization and later full approval. These trials involved tens of thousands of participants and evaluated safety, efficacy, and potential adverse effects. Real-world data continue to affirm the safety profile of these vaccines.

According to the CDC’s vaccine effectiveness surveillance for the 2024-2025 season, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines demonstrated a 33% effectiveness in preventing emergency department visits and a 45% effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations.

These figures reflect substantial protection, especially among older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Most adverse effects are mild and transient, including fatigue, headache, and soreness at the injection site. Serious adverse events are exceedingly rare. Contrary to disinformation spread on the internet and in some media, the mRNA platform, although new to the public, has been under development for decades and offers a safe mechanism for inducing immunity.

Myth #3: COVID-19 Vaccines Cause Infertility or Pregnancy Complications

One of the most persistent and harmful myths is that COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. This claim is not supported by any credible scientific evidence. Multiple studies have shown no difference in fertility rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

 Vaccination during pregnancy is not only safe but strongly recommended. Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe COVID-19, and vaccination helps protect the mother and the fetus. Data from thousands of pregnancies have found no increase in miscarriage, congenital disabilities, or other complications linked to the vaccine.

 The notion that one cannot become or stay pregnant after receiving the vaccine is not only false but dangerous. Health care professionals must continue to reassure expectant and future mothers with evidence-based guidance.

Myth #4: If You Have Had COVID-19, You Do Not Need the Vaccine

Natural infection does confer some immunity, but it is incomplete and wanes over time. Reinfections are common, particularly with immune-evasive variants like NB.1.18.1 (Nimbus) and XFG (Stratus). Hybrid immunity, combining prior infection with vaccination, offers the most robust protection. Vaccination boosts neutralizing antibody levels and broadens T-cell responses, reducing the risk of severe disease and long COVID or postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A study published in 

 found that individuals with hybrid immunity had significantly lower hospitalization and reinfection rates than those with natural immunity alone. Even individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 benefit significantly from vaccination. It remains a critical component of long-term protection.

Myth #5: COVID-19 Does Not Cause Long-Term Damage

Some believe that once the acute infection is resolved, COVID-19 leaves no lasting effects. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Long COVID is a well-documented condition affecting millions. A large National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded study involving nearly 10,000 participants identified 12 hallmark symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, and postexertional malaise. Approximately 10% of adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 continue to experience symptoms 6 months post infection.

Recent data show that long COVID affects 6.9% of US adults—over 14 million people—and 1.5% of children. Cognitive impairment, particularly among older adults, is a growing concern. A global study found that individuals older than 60 years who experienced severe infection and anosmia had double the risk of dementia-like symptoms.

 Vaccination has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of long COVID, further reinforcing its importance.

Myth #6: Cleaning Surfaces Is the Best Way to Prevent COVID-19

Early in the pandemic, many people focused on cleaning surfaces obsessively, believing that disinfecting groceries and doorknobs was the key to preventing infection. Although surface hygiene is important, SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through airborne particles. Fomite (objects or materials that can carry pathogens) transmission is rare. The emphasis should be on improving ventilation, wearing masks in enclosed spaces, and maintaining hand hygiene. Public health strategies now prioritize air quality and respiratory protection over surface decontamination.

Masks remain a critical tool in reducing transmission. High-quality masks such as N95s and KN95s filter out airborne particles effectively. Studies have consistently shown that mask mandates correlate with reduced transmission rates, especially in indoor and high-density settings. A meta-analysis published in 

found that mask use was associated with a 53% reduction in COVID-19 incidence. Masking is significant during seasonal surges and in health care environments with vulnerable populations.

Some have unfairly dismissed hand sanitizer as ineffective. In truth, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol are highly effective at killing most viruses and bacteria. They are instrumental when soap and water are not readily available. Although hand sanitizer is not a cure-all and should not replace other precautions like masking or vaccination, it remains a valuable part of a layered defense strategy.

Myth #9: Social Distancing Is No Longer Necessary

As restrictions have eased, many have assumed that social distancing is no longer necessary. However, maintaining physical distance, especially in high-risk settings, still helps reduce transmission. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets; keeping space between individuals minimizes exposure. In indoor environments with limited ventilation, distancing becomes even more critical. The reproductive number for COVID-19 remains above 1 in most US states, indicating ongoing epidemic growth.

When combined with other measures like masking and vaccination, social distancing remains a useful tool in curbing the spread of the virus.

Why Misinformation Persists, and What We Know Now

Misinformation thrives in environments of uncertainty and emotional distress. Social media amplifies unverified claims, often outpacing scientific rebuttals. Fear, distrust, and sensationalism drive engagement, allowing myths to go viral. Combating misinformation requires critical thinking; reliance on trusted sources like the CDC, WHO, and NIH; and proactive public health communication. Health care professionals play a vital role in dispelling myths and guiding patients toward evidence-based decisions.

COVID-19 remains endemic, with seasonal surges and evolving variants. Vaccines continue to offer meaningful protection, especially against severe outcomes. Long COVID is a significant public health concern, and preventive strategies must adapt to its complexity. Masks, distancing, and hygiene remain relevant, particularly in health care settings. The virus may persist, but so does our capacity to respond with science, compassion, and clarity.

The fight against COVID-19 is no longer just about managing a virus; it is about managing information. By debunking myths and sharing evidence-based insights, health care professionals can lead the charge in protecting communities. The virus may still be with us, but so is the truth, and the truth is our most powerful tool. The misinformation surrounding COVID-19 did not exist in isolation; it created fertile ground for skepticism and falsehoods across other sectors of public health. As trust in institutions eroded and conspiracy theories gained traction, misinformation began to seep into areas like childhood vaccines, chronic disease management, reproductive health, and mental health care. This cascade of misinformation underscores the need for robust public health communication, not just during pandemics, but as a permanent fixture of health care infrastructure. When one pillar of trust collapses, others risk falling with it.

COVID data tracker. CDC. Published 2025. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Debunking COVID-19 myths. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 7, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-myths/art-20485720

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: mythbusters. World Health Organization. January 19, 2022. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Link-Gelles R, Chickery S, Webber A, et al; CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Collaborators. Interim estimates of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among adults aged ≥ 18 years—VISION and IVY networks, September 2024-January 2025. 

. 2025;74(6):73-82. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7406a1

Fact or fiction: 6 myths about COVID-19. Project HOPE. January 22, 2021. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/story/fact-or-fiction-6-myths-about-covid-19

Nordström P, Ballin M, Nordström A. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and COVID-19 hospitalisation in individuals with natural and hybrid immunity: a retrospective, total population cohort study in Sweden. 

. 2022;22(6):781-790. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00143-8

Large study provides scientists with deeper insight into long COVID symptoms. National Institutes of Health. May 25, 2023. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/large-study-provides-scientists-deeper-insight-into-long-covid-symptoms

Powell Key A. COVID-19 myths you shouldn’t believe. WebMD. March 18, 2025. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/covid/ss/slideshow-covid-myths

Yeh RW, Valsdottir LR, Yeh MW, et al; PARACHUTE Investigators. Parachute use to prevent death and major trauma when jumping from aircraft: randomized controlled trial. 

) for states. CDC. August 15, 2025. Accessed August 15, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html

"Although the virus itself remains a threat, misinformation about COVID-19 has become a parallel epidemic, one that undermines public health efforts and endangers lives."

Debunking the Mistruths and Misinformation About COVID-19

 dives deep into some of the most urgent challenges and promising innovations shaping infection prevention today. Our cover story double feature tackles 

, the multidrug-resistant fungal threat that continues to test the limits of health care systems worldwide. 

We also highlight the vital role of interdisciplinary teams across both acute and long-term care settings, reminding us that infection prevention is truly a team effort.

You’ll also find timely features on environmental services, from safer flooring choices to a fascinating analysis comparing environmental services to the body’s own immune system. In sterile processing, we spotlight the critical work of sterile processing department technicians and address infection risks tied to high-level disinfection of flexible endoscopes.

 and the ICT crossword. This issue's offering is about sterile processing. 

Rounding out this issue are powerful perspectives on COVID-19 misinformation, oral vancomycin research, and the importance of building vaccine confidence during pregnancy.

’s mission: supporting infection preventionists with evidence, innovation, and collaboration.

Check out the latest print edition of Infection Control Today: September/October 2025.

Infection Control Today, September/October 2025 (Vol. 29 No. 5)

A Day in the Life: SPD Technician

Toxic and Tenacious: Disinfection Dilemmas With Candida auris

Stop the Spread of C auris: Know the Myths and Follow the Science

Debunking the Mistruths and Misinformation About COVID-19

Introducing the September/October 2025 Infection Control Today Print Edition