What are droplet precautions for Influenza A (H1N1)?

From the Guidelines

Droplet precautions for Influenza A (H1N1) include wearing a surgical or procedure mask, nonsterile gloves, and nonsterile gowns.

Key Components of Droplet Precautions

• Patients with suspected or confirmed H1N1 influenza should be placed in private rooms with doors kept closed 1
• If private rooms are not available, patients may be cohorted once the diagnosis has been confirmed 1
• Healthcare personnel should wear surgical or procedure masks, nonsterile gloves, and nonsterile gowns when interacting with patients 1
• Cough etiquette should be encouraged, and tissues and hand sanitizer should be provided to patients 1
• Masks should be provided to patients who are actively coughing and sneezing until they can be placed in a private room 1
• Isolation precautions should continue until hospital discharge, or until the signs and symptoms of influenza have resolved and the patient has been afebrile for at least 24 h 1
• Healthy visitors should be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a surgical mask and gloves when visiting infected patients 1

From the Research

Droplet Precautions for Influenza A (H1N1)

Droplet precautions are essential to control the transmission of influenza in healthcare settings. The following measures are considered adequate:

• Standard and Droplet Precautions are sufficient to control the transmission of influenza in most healthcare situations 2
• Vaccination of healthcare staff, carers, and vulnerable patients against seasonal and pandemic influenza strains is an essential protective strategy 2
• Performance of hand hygiene before and after every patient contact or contact with the patient environment 2
• Disinfection of the patient environment 2
• Early identification and isolation of patients with suspected or proven influenza 2
• Adoption of a greater minimum distance of patient separation (2 meters) than previously recommended 2
• Use of a surgical mask and eye protection for personal protection on entry to infectious areas or within 2 meters of an infectious patient 2

Personal Protective Equipment

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to prevent the transmission of influenza. This includes:

• Surgical masks 2, 3
• Eye protection 2
• Particulate masks (e.g., N95 respirators) in high aerosol-risk settings 2, 4
• Impervious long-sleeved gowns and gloves in high aerosol-risk settings 2

Special Considerations

Special considerations are necessary for certain groups, such as:

• Infectious postpartum women, who should wear surgical masks when caring for their newborn infants and practice strict hand hygiene 2
• Potentially infected newborns, who require special arrangements for nursery or intensive care 2
• Symptomatic staff, who should be excluded from the workplace until criteria for non-infectious status are met 2

Alternative Strategies

Alternative strategies, such as droplet precautions on-site (DroPS), may be considered as a possible alternative to single room isolation for respiratory viral infections 5. However, further studies are needed to document its safety and efficacy.