It is essential that healthcare personnel have the appropriate infection control procedures, infrastructure, and equipment to prevent the spread of influenza in healthcare facilities. These steps, in addition to voluntary vaccination programs, will help to protect both workers and patients.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has announced its Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use to Reduce 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission. The CDC states that when respiratory protection is required in an occupational setting, N95 (or better) respirators must be used in the context of a comprehensive respiratory protection program as required under OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
The CDC has released a PowerPoint presentation with infection control guidance for H1N1 flu that is useful for both nurses and hospital administrators:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises employers to provide personal protective equipment and to have effective infection controls in place. These include engineering controls, administrative controls, and work practices.
Additional information about PPEs and N95 respirators is available from the Food & Drug Administration.