Respiratory consequences of N95-type Mask usage in pregnant healthcare workers—a controlled clinical study

Tong, Pearl Shuang Ye; Kale, Anita Sugam; Ng, Kailyn; Loke, Amelia Peiwen; Choolani, Mahesh Arjandas; Lim, Chin Leong; Chan, Yiong Huak; Chong, Yap Seng; Tambyah, Paul Anantharajah; Yong, Eu-Leong

Lessons learnt on infection control from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003 have been used to formulate strategies [1, 2] to manage the recent Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) [3] and H7N9 influenza outbreaks [4] . These infection control measures include recommendations for increased use of protective filtering face-piece respirators (FFR), such as N95-masks [5] especially during aerosol generating procedures. Existing influenza pandemic control plans in many countries have also incorporated recommendations for more widespread use of FFR [6] [7] [8] . When the influenza A H1N1 pandemic was declared in 2009, there were guidelines for universal use of N95-masks despite a lack of scientific evidence for its appropriateness in different health care settings [9, 10] . The N95 FFR has also been recommended for the novel MERS Coronavirus.