CDC updates influenza infection control guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September revised their flu infection control guidance for health care facilities. It supersedes previous guidance and incorporates recommendations for H1N1 influenza. The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of vaccination and steps to minimize the potential for exposure, such as respiratory hygiene, management of ill health care workers, assessment of visitors for flu, droplet and aerosol-generating procedure precautions, surveillance, and environmental and engineering controls. Among other precautions, the revised guidance says health care professionals should don a face mask when entering the room of a patient with suspected or confirmed flu, and wear a fitted N95 respirator or higher-level protection when performing aerosol-generating procedures on patients.
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