Universal Face Masking Reduces Respiratory Viral Infections Among Inpatient Very-Low-Birthweight Neonatal Infants

Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Dec 31;71(11):2958-2961. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa555.

Abstract

We reviewed the impact of a universal face masking policy on respiratory viral infections (RVIs) among admitted very-low-birthweight infants in our neonatal department. There was a significant decrease in RVI incidence, specifically in our step-down level 2 unit, with respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus being the most common viruses isolated.

Keywords: infant; neonatal intensive care units; premature; prevention; respiratory tract infections; surgical mask.

MeSH terms

  • Birth Weight
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*
  • Inpatients
  • Masks*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / prevention & control
  • Virus Diseases / epidemiology
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control