Influenza Respirator Fit Testing Qualitative Method

Sadly, healthcare workers worldwide are often not getting the protection they need from airborne disease,such as the current swine flu. In this current swine flu outbreak, CDC began suggesting that surgical masks will do to protect healthcare workers (without the nylon stockings mentioned in this song). Much evidence regarding airborne transmission and the need for true respirators has accumulated since this video was made. A recent report by the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) RESPIRATORY PROTECTION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN THE WORKPLACE AGAINST NOVEL H1N1 INFLUENZA A (HTTP://WWW.NAP.EDU ) supports that health care workers who interact with patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with novel H1N1 influenza Ashould wear fitted N95 respirators, which filter better than looser medical masks. However, wearing N95 respirators should be only one element of workers' and health care organizations' infection control strategies. This video shows the importance of respirator fit testing for healthcare workers who will be exposed to H1N1 (swine) flu. It also demonstrates the qualitative fit testing protocol, one of two methods generally approved for employers to use. Check with your occupational health and safety agency for their specific requirements. Without passing a fit test, a respirator will not provide the expected protection and the wearer will be at an increased risk of becoming ill from the flu. We need our healthcare workers to stay healthy to be able to keep taking care of us! This clip is from the wonderful Australian Government Department of Health and Agings DVD "Pandemic Infuenza Preparedness, Safe Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)". Downloadable clips from this DVD are available at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/panflu/publishing.nsf/Content/safeuse-dvd-1 .

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