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PandemicFlu.gov: Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic
By The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Oct 21, 2006, 13:28

Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic

October 2006

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background: Influenza Transmission, Pathogenesis, and Control

   Modes of Influenza Transmission
   Droplet Transmission
   Airborne Transmission
   Aerosol-generating procedures
   Contact Transmission (Direct and via Fomites) Pathogenesis of Influenza and Implications for Infection Control
   Experience from Control of Seasonal Influenza Transmission

3. Recommendations for Health Care Settings

   Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings
   Recommendations
   Guidance for Correct Use

Appendix A Aerosol Science and Disease Transmission
Appendix B Types of Surgical Masks and Respirators Used in Health Care Settings

I. Introduction

Since the publication of the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan (www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan/) in November 2005, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has received numerous comments and inquiries regarding infection control recommendations that relate to surgical mask and respirator use (e.g., N-95 respirator[a]) during an influenza pandemic. Development of authoritative responses is hampered by the lack of definitive data about the relative contributions and importance of short-range inhalational exposure, large droplet mucosal exposure, and direct inoculation via hands or inanimate objects contaminated with virus (i.e., fomites) on influenza transmission There is only limited information on optimal interventions to prevent influenza transmission and the effectiveness of interventions on an individual basis. The lack of scientific consensus has led to conflicting recommendations by public health partners. Moreover, a large amount of incorrect, incomplete, and confusing information about surgical mask and respirator use has been disseminated on the Internet and by other popular media.