Recommendations for Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators
In community and home settings, the use of facemasks and respirators generally
are not recommended. However, for certain circumstances as described in Table 1,
a facemask or respirator may be considered, specifically for persons at increased
risk of severe illness from influenza. In the occupational healthcare setting,
respiratory protection is recommended.
Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Infection:
· Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving longterm
aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye
syndrome after influenza virus infection
· Pregnant women
· Adults and children who have asthma, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular,
hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
such as diabetes;
· Immunosuppressed State
Table. CDC Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use for
Home, Community, and Occupational Settings for Non-Ill Persons to Prevent
Infection with Novel H1N1
Setting Persons not at increased risk
of severe illness from
influenza
(Non-high risk persons)
Persons at increased risk of
severe illness from influenza
(High-Risk Persons)
Community
No novel H1N1 in
community
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Novel H1N1 in community:
not crowded setting
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Home
Caregiver to person with
influenza-like illness
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Avoid being caregiver. If
unavoidable, use facemask or
respirator
Other household members
in home
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Occupational (non-health care)
No novel H1N1 in
community
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Facemask/respirator not
recommended
Novel H1N1 in community Facemask/respirator not
recommended but could be
considered under certain
circumstances
Facemask/respirator not
recommended but could be
considered under certain
circumstances
- For specific work activities that involve contact with patient who is (or suspected to be) suffering from Swine Flu or influenzalike
illness, such as escorting a patient, providing assistance to a patient etc.
Preventive Measures for Swine Flu
In areas with confirmed human cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection,
the risk for infection can be reduced through a combination of actions. No single
action will provide complete protection, but an approach combining the following
steps can help decrease the likelihood of transmission. These are Universal
Precaution measures for any airborne respiratory infections.
Stay home if you are sick
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or cough into your upper sleeve.
Cover your Nose/Mouth if anyone around is coughing/sneezing.
Avoid shaking hands and always wash your hands after physical contact with
others.
- Keep frequently touched surfaces clean (telephone, desks, office equipments
etc)
Limit unnecessary visitors.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, and exercise and
relaxation helps maintain good physical and emotional heath.
- Avoid crowded places where risk of transmission of any airborne infection is
high.
Avoid unnecessary travel to Swine Flu affected destinations.
If one has Flu like symptoms and suspect that there has been contact with
Swine Flu patient, then contact the Doctor immediately.
- Fore more Information on Swine Flu, log on to the Ministry of Health, Govt.
of India site: https://mohfw.nic.in/SWINEFLU.htm. Information about Nodal
Centers all over the country is available on this Site.
References & further reading:
https://mohfw.nic.in/SWINEFLU.htm.
https://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm
https://who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
Follow Universal Health Hygiene Precautions to Prevent Transmission of Diseases.
