1. Use STANDARD and DROPLET precautions for routine medical care of patients with confirmed or probable influenza, or influenza-like illness.
- Standard precautions include hand hygiene. When contact with bodily fluids is anticipated, a gown, gloves and eye protection should be worn.
- Droplet precautions include wearing a mask during direct patient care activities (upon room entry and/or within 3 feet of the patient)
2. If a patient is outside of his room, s/he must wear a surgical mask.
3. Aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy, intubation and extubation, and deep open tracheal suctioning)
- Should be performed, in a negative pressure airborne infection isolation room.
- Disposable fit-tested N95 respirators and eye protection (goggles or face shield) should be worn by health care personnel performing these procedures.
4. N95 masks require fit testing. If you have not been fit tested within the past year and feel that you will need an N95 mask for aerosol-generating procedures please contact Occupational Health. N95 masks cannot be used with beards, and bearded healthcare workers might need to consider shaving, if necessary for safe patient care.