Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by aerosols, the rational use of masks, and protection of healthcare workers from COVID-19.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control
; 9(1): 100, 2020 07 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-657352
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by aerosols, to provide evidence on the rational use of masks, and to discuss additional measures important for the protection of healthcare workers from COVID-19.METHODS:
Literature review and expert opinion. SHORTCONCLUSION:
SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing COVID-19, is considered to be transmitted via droplets rather than aerosols, but droplets with strong directional airflow support may spread further than 2 m. High rates of COVID-19 infections in healthcare-workers (HCWs) have been reported from several countries. Respirators such as filtering face piece (FFP) 2 masks were designed to protect HCWs, while surgical masks were originally intended to protect patients (e.g., during surgery). Nevertheless, high quality standard surgical masks (type II/IIR according to European Norm EN 14683) appear to be as effective as FFP2 masks in preventing droplet-associated viral infections of HCWs as reported from influenza or SARS. So far, no head-to-head trials with these masks have been published for COVID-19. Neither mask type completely prevents transmission, which may be due to inappropriate handling and alternative transmission pathways. Therefore, compliance with a bundle of infection control measures including thorough hand hygiene is key. During high-risk procedures, both droplets and aerosols may be produced, reason why respirators are indicated for these interventions.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Aerosols
/
Pandemics
/
Betacoronavirus
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S13756-020-00763-0
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS