Pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 and infection control controversies: Working with ongoing change

Experience to date indicates that the mechanism of transmission of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) is similar to that of seasonal influenza and most other respiratory viruses, ie, by contact and large droplets. Contact transmission is likely the most relevant mechanism (1–3). Although it has been recognized for some time that influenza viruses persist in the environment, this fact has been largely ignored until recently. Influenza viruses can remain viable on hard nonporous surfaces for up to 24 h, on tissues for up to 15 min, on hands for 5 min (4) and for at least 48 h on banknotes (5). Viral nucleic acid has been detected by polymerase chain reaction on several objects and surfaces in day care centres and homes (6). More recently, pH1N1 has been detected by polymerase chain reaction on a bedrail and computer mouse several days after admission and treatment of the infected patient (3). Hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions or potentially contaminated items, and cleaning of these items after exposure are important control measures. It is recommended that gloves be worn in health care settings, as well as a gown if soiling of clothing or skin with respiratory tract secretions is anticipated. The eye is an important portal of entry for some respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Infection occurs by inoculation of the conjunctiva by contaminated fingers or ophthalmological equipment (7,8). Splashes of respiratory secretions into the eye during procedures such as suctioning may also be involved. It has been assumed that this may also apply to influenza. Wearing of face shields or goggles has been shown to prevent RSV infection in health care personnel (9,10). The need for these devices has been questioned because RSV infection was also prevented, in the absence of eye protection, if gloves were worn. Presumably, personnel were unlikely to rub their eyes with gloved hands (11). Influenza is also transmitted by large droplets (1). The maximum dispersal distance of these droplets has, until recently, been assumed to be 1 m, based on transmission of meningococcal infection. Experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and subsequent experiments with exhaled inert particles suggest that under certain circumstances, large droplets may be dispersed by up to 2 m. In health care settings, surgical or procedure masks are recommended for those within 1 m to 2 m of the infected patient, unless separated by a physical barrier such as a window or plexiglass barrier. Whether influenza can be transmitted by true airborne spread (1) is a controversial issue, but data indicate that this route has not been a significant means of transmission during seasonal influenza. Experience with SARS coronavirus suggested that transmission may have occurred via small-particle aerosols generated during certain procedures such as intubation or bronchoscopy (12,13), and raised concern that a new more aggressive strain of influenza virus might also be transmitted by this route. Special tight-fitting masks with filters that remove particles down to 1 μm in diameter at a 95% efficacy (N95) are recommended for protection from small-particle aerosols. Where N95 masks are required, fit-testing is mandated. Fit-testing helps in choosing the appropriate brand and size of mask to provide a tight facial fit. However, it has been shown that fit-testing alone does not correlate with appropriate use of the fitted mask (14,15). To ensure a tight fit during use, the wearer must perform a fit-check every time the mask is applied. This is achieved by taking a forceful inspiration and expiration and checking for air leaks around the mask. As a result of concern regarding the transmission of respiratory pathogens in ambulatory care settings during the SARS epidemic, outpatient settings were urged to implement “Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette” (1). This refers to measures designed to minimize the transmission of respiratory pathogens in health care settings beginning at the point of the initial patient encounter. When pH1N1 first appeared, infection control recommendations were cautious, including N95 masks, eye protection, gloves, gowns and rooms with negative pressure airflow for all patient encounters, pending further knowledge of the transmission characteristics of this new virus. As information became available, these measures have been gradually adjusted in some countries but not others. Several issues remain unresolved. Keeping up with ongoing change is a challenge. Current recommendations vary and local guidelines should be consulted . Previously, a distance of 1 m was used for droplet precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA , and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) both recommend that patients with pH1N1 be separated by a distance of 2 m and that health care workers wear masks when within 2 m of the patient. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines retain the distance of 1 m . Previously, eye protection was not recommended or was considered optional for viral respiratory infections. The CDC and PHAC recommend eye protection for all care if within 2 m of a patient with pH1N1. WHO and the Society for HealthCare Epidemiology of America recommend eye protection only when performing procedures that are likely to result in splashes into the eye. The CDC recommends the use of N95 masks for all care of patients with pH1N1. This recommendation is being challenged by the Society for HealthCare Epidemiology of America. The PHAC and WHO recommend that N95 masks be used only when specific aerosol-generating procedures are being performed. A recently published randomized trial (16) comparing N95 masks with surgical masks showed no difference in the rates of laboratory confirmed seasonal influenza in health care workers. Evidence suggests that bronchoscopy and intubation may generate infectious small-particle aerosols. It has been speculated that many other procedures may do so . Recommendations vary and the lists of suspect procedures are frequently revised. Such procedures are unlikely to be performed in the office, but local guidelines should be consulted. On arrival, screen for fever and respiratory symptoms passively (posters and handouts) and actively (direct questioning). Ideally, patients with these symptoms should not stay in a waiting room but should go into an examination room immediately. If this is not possible, separate the patient from others by at least 2 m, and keep the time spent in the waiting room to a minimum. If spatial separation of 2 m is not feasible, give the patient a surgical mask to wear. For young children or others unable to comply, ask the parent or caretaker to cover the patient's nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Provide the necessary supplies and instruct patients in how to use them. The parent or caretaker should perform hand hygiene after wiping the patient's nose or after having any other hand contact with respiratory secretions. Apply Routine Practices (1) at all times. For patients with febrile respiratory illnesses: ○ Wear a surgical mask when within 2 m of the patient (unless separated by a window or other physical barrier). ○ Wear gloves on entry to the examining room, or for contact with the patient or surfaces and objects in contact with the patient's respiratory secretions. ○ Wear a gown if the skin or clothing is likely to become soiled with respiratory secretions. ○ Wear eye protection (mask with visor, goggles or face shield) for procedures where there is a risk of splashes onto the face, or for all care, as indicated by local guidelines. ○ Perform hand hygiene after removing protective equipment. ○ For most activities carried out in primary care offices, surgical or procedure masks are sufficient. If aerosol-generating procedures might be performed, N95 masks should be available and personnel performing these procedures should be fit-tested and instructed in how to do a fit-check. ○ Clean and disinfect reusable equipment and other items and environmental surfaces as per Contact Precautions (1). Ensure frequent cleaning of examination rooms, waiting rooms and toilets, especially during periods of heavy use. Health care workers with pH1N1 should stay at home for seven days from onset of illness or at least until 24 h after acute symptoms have resolved. Recommendations vary in different jurisdictions and local guidelines should be consulted. Treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors reduces shedding of the influenza virus from the respiratory tract and may facilitate earlier return, once the fever and acute symptoms have resolved (17).

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