Study Shows Surgical Masks Equal Respirators for Healthcare Workers

[Sasha]

Study Shows Surgical Masks Equal Respirators for Healthcare Workers

Full Article: http://www.medpagetoday.com/CriticalCare/InfectionControl/16248

Surgical masks may be just as good as N95 respirators for protecting healthcare workers against the flu, according to a randomized clinical trial whose findings conflict with the only previous study.

Nurses who wore surgical masks while caring for patients with flu-like symptoms were no more likely to catch seasonal flu than those who wore the higher filtration devices (23.6% versus 22.9%, P=0.86), Mark Loeb, MD, MSc, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and colleagues reported online in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

These findings do not apply to settings where there is a high risk that the virus will become aerosolized, such as intubation or bronchoscopy, the researchers cautioned.

 

[mycrofft]

Yup.

Not many airborne droplets at/under 3 nanometers in the real world interpersonal infection scene since saliva and sputum tend to form larger droplets. HOwever, do tend to get a better seal with the more expensive masks. They don't say how big the study was; the last one cited had a sample of 20.<_<

My work is requiring that we be fitted for the masks. They tried to force me to shave, I pointed out they would trade the mask's fit for my having open wounds on my neck, sometimes with infections (d/t pseudofolliculitis barbae).Now they are "threatening" me with a full head pressurized unit. Guess they never wore a M-17 gas mask with chem suit boots and gloves!

 

[redcrossemt]

At the hospital we either shave and get fitted for a N95, or we have to use full-hood PAPRs.

Our Bioterrorism Region has created a "Casualty Transport" plan for large haz-mat events. It requires PAPRs for the driver and attendant. We're not supposed to take off the PAPR until the transport is complete and the truck has been completely decontaminated.

Unfortunately, safe and comfortable working time in a PAPR is much, much less than our transport times, even without full haz-mat decontamination.

 

[VentMedic]

The article says seasonal flu and that is correct for a surgical mask which might protect against regular droplets. It won't for aerosolized particles that become airborne such as in higher flow O2 devices, nebulizers and ventilators if the circuit is broken for any reason (or the transport CCT fails to filter their vent).

Hospital managers do get upset when they see N95 masks being used as they are very expensive. However, since the CDC has recommended the N95 for any suspected H1N1 cases, the hospitals have not choice.

Personally, for my own protection and the length of time I have to spend with each patient with a undetermined flu type, I will error on the side of caution. For intubation of a young person with bilateral infiltrates c/o flu like symptoms, I definitely wear an N95. However, a regular mask/shield may do for a known COPD exacerbation patient with no flu symptoms.

 

[mycrofft]

I didn't think of respiratory tx situations .

Yeah, could get fine aerosolization! Good thing for me I'm not around them. Thanks!!