Personal, Occupational, and Public Health Perspectives on Dealing with the First Case of Influenza A (H1N1) in the United Arab Emirates

Shah, Syed M.; Aw, Tar-Ching; Blair, Iain; Hashmey, Rayhan; Sheek-Hussein, Mahmoud

We now believe that even if they are infectious, clinicians who practice good respiratory and hand hygiene will limit the risk of transmission to others. Standard and droplet precautions should be in place [8] . Standard Precautions minimize exposure to potentially infected blood and body fluids and include hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Droplet precautions require that a medical mask is worn when working within one meter of the patient and that when performing aerosol-generating procedures, further measures are taken including the use of eye protection, N-95 masks or other equivalent or more effective respirators and other personal protective equipment. In addition, respiratory or cough etiquette should be observed so that all persons cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then disposing the used tissue promptly. Within the healthcare setting, administrative, environmental and engineering controls such as frequent cleaning of work areas should also be in place.