Personal clothing as a potential vector of respiratory virus transmission in childcare settings.

Previous investigations of fomite transmission have focused on the presence of pathogens on inanimate objects in clinical settings. There has been limited investigation of fomite transmission in non-clinical pediatric settings where there is a high prevalence of respiratory virus infections. Over a 5 week period, this study investigated whether the personal clothing of teachers working in childcare centers was contaminated with viral RNA, and potentially could mediate virus transmission.

Face touching: a frequent habit that has implications for hand hygiene.

Background: There is limited literature on the frequency of face-touching behavior as a potential vector for the self-inoculation and transmission of Staphylococcus aureus and other common respiratory infections.

Methods: A behavioral observation study was undertaken involving medical students at the University of New South Wales. Their face-touching behavior was observed via videotape recording.

Respiratory virus RNA is detectable in airborne and droplet particles.

Aerosol transmission routes of respiratory viruses have been classified by the WHO on the basis of equilibrium particle size. Droplet transmission is associated with particles sized >5 µm in diameter and airborne transmission is associated with particles sized ≤5 µm in diameter. Current infection control measures for respiratory viruses are directed at preventing droplet transmission, although epidemiological evidence suggests concurrent airborne transmission also occurs.

Health care workers' perceptions predicts uptake of personal protective equipment.

Background: Health care workers' (HCW) compliance with infection control measures is influenced by organizational, environmental and individual factors. However, it is unknown whether HCWs' perceptions of transmission risk and protectiveness of infection control measures influences the uptake of infection control measures.

Methods: A questionnaire of perceptions and intentions to use infection control measures was completed by 74 HCWs at 2 hospitals.

The role of particle size in aerosolised pathogen transmission: a review.

Understanding respiratory pathogen transmission is essential for public health measures aimed at reducing pathogen spread. Particle generation and size are key determinant for pathogen carriage, aerosolisation, and transmission. Production of infectious respiratory particles is dependent on the type and frequency of respiratory activity, type and site of infection and pathogen load.

Using evidence-based medicine to protect healthcare workers from pandemic influenza: Is it possible?

Objective: To use evidence-based principles to develop infection control algorithms to ensure the protection of healthcare workers and the continuity of health service provision during a pandemic.

Design: : Evidence-based algorithms were developed from published research as well as "needs and values" assessments. Research evidence was obtained from 97 studies reporting the protectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis, seasonal vaccination, and mask use.

Protecting healthcare workers from pandemic influenza: N95 or surgical masks?

Objective: The successful management of an influenza pandemic will be reliant on the expertise of healthcare workers at high risk for occupationally acquired influenza. Recommended infection control measures for healthcare workers include surgical masks to protect against droplet-spread respiratory transmissible infections and N95 masks to protect against aerosol-spread infections. A literature review was undertaken for evidence of superior protective value of N95 masks or surgical masks for healthcare workers against influenza and extraneous factors influencing conferred protection.

Sleep disturbance in persistent allergic rhinitis measured using actigraphy.

Background: Tiredness, fatigue, and impaired quality of life are common in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). These symptoms may also be associated with reduced sleep quality in individuals with rhinitis.

Objective: To determine whether sleep disturbance can be detected using actigraphy in patients with PAR.

The community's attitude towards swine flu and pandemic influenza.

Objective: To ascertain the beliefs, perceived risks and initial attitudes of the Australian community towards the influenza pandemic declared by the World Health Organization in response to the emergence of an A(H1N1) influenza subtype.

Design, Setting And Participants: Cross-sectional survey of Sydney residents during WHO Phase 5 of pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Members of the public were approached in shopping and pedestrian malls in seven areas of Sydney between 2 May and 29 May 2009 to undertake the survey.