What is the lowest level of PPE to protect from airborne transmission for: 1) healthcare workers; and the 2) general population?
Appropriate PPE for healthcare workers for pandemic influenza includes respiratory protection (N95 or higher respirator or powered air-purifying respirator). Also, because influenza may also be spread via respiratory aerosols and contact, gowns, gloves, and eye protection are also important. Surgical masks do not provide protection to the wearer against inhalation of respiratory aerosols, but may offer some protection against large droplets that may be deposited in the nose or mouth. The purpose of a surgical mask is to help contain respiratory aerosols expelled by the wearer. The principles of respiratory protection are the same in the hospital and in the community, although healthcare workers caring for infectious patients are at much greater risk of exposure/infection and therefore have more need for respiratory protection.
