Absence of nosocomial influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era: Implication of universal masking in hospitals

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2021 Feb;42(2):218-221. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.425. Epub 2020 Aug 17.

Abstract

Universal masking for healthcare workers and patients in hospitals was adopted to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with compliance rates of 100% and 75.9%, respectively. Zero rates of nosocomial influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus infection were achieved from February to April 2020, which was significantly lower than the corresponding months in 2017-2019.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Health Personnel
  • Hong Kong
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Influenza, Human / transmission
  • Masks*
  • Patients
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / transmission
  • Virus Shedding*