Article ; Online: Efficacy of FFP3 respirators for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers.
2021 Volume 10
Abstract: Background: Respiratory protective equipment recommended in the UK for healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for patients with COVID-19 comprises a fluid-resistant surgical mask (FRSM), except in the context of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). We ... ...
Abstract | Background: Respiratory protective equipment recommended in the UK for healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for patients with COVID-19 comprises a fluid-resistant surgical mask (FRSM), except in the context of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). We previously demonstrated frequent pauci- and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, using a comprehensive PCR-based HCW screening programme (Rivett et al., 2020; Jones et al., 2020). Methods: Here, we use observational data and mathematical modelling to analyse infection rates amongst HCWs working on 'red' (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) and 'green' (non-COVID-19) wards during the second wave of the pandemic, before and after the substitution of filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirators for FRSMs. Results: Whilst using FRSMs, HCWs working on red wards faced an approximately 31-fold (and at least fivefold) increased risk of direct, ward-based infection. Conversely, after changing to FFP3 respirators, this risk was significantly reduced (52-100% protection). Conclusions: FFP3 respirators may therefore provide more effective protection than FRSMs for HCWs caring for patients with COVID-19, whether or not AGPs are undertaken. Funding: Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, NHS Blood and Transfusion, UKRI. |
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MeSH term(s) | Adult ; Aerosols ; Aged ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infection Control/methods ; Masks ; Middle Aged ; Models, Theoretical ; Respiratory Protective Devices ; SARS-CoV-2 ; United Kingdom ; Young Adult |
Chemical Substances | Aerosols |
Language | English |
Publishing date | 2021-11-16 |
Publishing country | England |
Document type | Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
ZDB-ID | 2687154-3 |
ISSN | 2050-084X ; 2050-084X |
ISSN (online) | 2050-084X |
ISSN | 2050-084X |
DOI | 10.7554/eLife.71131 |
Database | MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE |
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