Safety

CDC responds to mask vs. respirator debate for influenza

OSHA Healthcare Connection, November 7, 2006

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising healthcare workers on selecting surgical masks and respirators during an influenza pandemic in a document released October 24.

Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic, provides a "science-based framework" for selecting respiratory protection and clarifies recent conflicting recommendations by public health partners.

The document emphasizes: "N-95 (or higher) respirators should be worn during medical activities that have a high likelihood of generating infectious respiratory aerosols, for which respirators (not surgical masks) offer the most appropriate protection for health care personnel."



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