Summary of recommendations on mask use in caring for patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza
| Device . | CDC73 . | WHO74 /Canada Public Health75 /IOM76 . | SHEA/IDSA/APIC/ACOEM77 . |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard surgical masks | Never | Acceptable, except for ″aerosol generating procedures″ | Acceptable, including the following procedures: collection of nasopharyngeal specimens, closed suctioning of airway secretions, and administration of nebulized medications |
| N95 or PAPR | All health care personnel who are in close contact with patients in isolation with confirmed, suspected, or probable 2009 H1N1 influenza should wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator or better | Use for ″aerosol generating procedures,″ including ″obtaining specimens by nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab or bronchial aspirate″ (per WHO, not defined by Canadian Public Health Service) | For bronchoscopy, open suctioning of airway secretions, resuscitation involving emergency intubation or cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, and endotracheal intubation |
| Device . | CDC73 . | WHO74 /Canada Public Health75 /IOM76 . | SHEA/IDSA/APIC/ACOEM77 . |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard surgical masks | Never | Acceptable, except for ″aerosol generating procedures″ | Acceptable, including the following procedures: collection of nasopharyngeal specimens, closed suctioning of airway secretions, and administration of nebulized medications |
| N95 or PAPR | All health care personnel who are in close contact with patients in isolation with confirmed, suspected, or probable 2009 H1N1 influenza should wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator or better | Use for ″aerosol generating procedures,″ including ″obtaining specimens by nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab or bronchial aspirate″ (per WHO, not defined by Canadian Public Health Service) | For bronchoscopy, open suctioning of airway secretions, resuscitation involving emergency intubation or cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, and endotracheal intubation |
CDC indicates Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO, World Health Organization; IOM, Institute of Medicine; SHEA, Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists of America; IDSA, Infectious Diseases Society of America; APIC, Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology; and ACOEM, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.