scholarly journals Face Masks Are Beneficial Regardless of the Level of Infection in the Fight Against COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. e47-e50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mervin L. Burnett ◽  
Consolato M. Sergi
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
The Past ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Widespread Implementation ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

ABSTRACTCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a global pandemic that has affected over 7 million people worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. In the past 20 years, they have been several viral epidemics that were primarily transmitted by respiratory droplets. The use of face masks is proven to be effective in protecting health-care workers as they perform their duties. Still, there is limited evidence about whether the widespread use of face mask would be very useful in protecting the general population. This study aimed to conduct a review to determine if face masks would be beneficial in the general population as a means of reducing the spread of COVID-19. The widespread implementation of wearing face masks by the general population is challenging due to a variety of factors. However, the extensive use of cloth masks in conjunction with other preventative measures such as social distancing and handwashing can potentially reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Occupational Allergic Diseases in Kitchen and Health Care Workers: An Underestimated Health Issue

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugur Bilge ◽  
Ilhami Unluoglu ◽  
Nazan Son ◽  
Ahmet Keskin ◽  
Yasemin Korkut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Past ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Objective. This study evaluated the frequencies of allergic symptoms and rate of upper respiratory infections during the past year in the general population, kitchen workers (KW) and health care workers (HCW).Methods. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was used to inquire retrospectively about asthma and asthma-like symptoms and the number of treatments required for previous upper respiratory tract infections (URTI: acute pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, etc.) during the past year for health care workers, kitchen workers, and members of the general population. Adjusted odds ratios by gender, age, and smoking status were calculated.Results. 579 subjects (186 from the general population, 205 KW, and 188 HCW; 263 females, 316 males) participated in the study. Noninfectious (allergic) rhinitis was significantly higher in the HCW and KW groups than in the general population (P<0.001). Cumulative asthma was significantly higher only in the HCW group (P<0.05). In addition, the HCW and KW groups had significantly higher risks of ≥2/year URTI (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.07–2.38 versus OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05–2.38) than the general population.Conclusion. Occupational allergic respiratory diseases are an important and growing health issue. Health care providers should become familiar with workplace environments and environmental causes of occupational rhinitis and asthma.

scholarly journals General Safety Guidelines for Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Practice in COVID-19 Era

2021 ◽  
pp. 229-235
Author(s):  
Anuya S. Gupta ◽  
Roshni Mohanty
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Respiratory Droplets ◽  
Safety Guidelines ◽  
Nose And Throat

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) originated in Wuhan, China and has increased rapidly globally, making it a global pandemic. It is proven to spread via respiratory droplets of positive patients. As we are not aware of the COVID 19 status of all patients coming to the OutPatient Department (OPD), it is advisable to consider every patient as COVID 19 positive and take the essential precautions to avoid infection. All health care workers, especially otorhinolaryngologists, respiratory medicine physicians, and general medicine physicians, are more exposed to the virus daily, as they work closely with COVID 19 positive patients while treating them. Otorhinolaryngologists deal with patients' nasal and oral cavities daily, making them one of  the most exposed categories of health-care workers. Thus, it is extremely important to remain vigilant when examining patients in OPD wards and performing surgeries in the operating room. Hence, proper knowledge is required of the healthcare system's guidelines in each country to prevent the spread of the infection in the medical and paramedical workers. As the disease is spreading rapidly and changing constantly, these recommendations and guidelines may change as the scenario changes. It is of utmost importance to remain up to date with the upcoming guidelines for our healthcare workers' safety. This article aims to provide an overview of guidelines for the safe practice of ENT that we follow in our tertiary care center, thus minimizing our exposure to COVID-19.

FACTS, MYTHS AND INFODEMICS IN COVID-19 IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND GENERAL POPULATION: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

2021 ◽  
pp. 49-52
Author(s):  
Shrivastava P ◽  
Verma S ◽  
Khushboo Khushboo ◽  
Bhattacharya P K
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health Related

Despite the ubiquity of health-related communications via social media, no consensus has emerged what information should be conveyed and how it should be conveyed to avoid creating panic among general population. With lockdowns social media, mass media became as a habit by people for news, information regarding COVID-19 and it is practiced even after lockdown. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mass media, social media and local news has become as the source of a toxic “infodemic” source for public. It contained both solicited and unsolicited advice. No conceptual model exists for examining the roles of media. It is important to rst assess the important mis-information, role of infodemics and prevalent casualness among the public regarding the COVID-19. Till mass vaccination is not commenced it is prudent to emphasize guidelines and practices as per COVID guidelines like social distancing, wearing mask, hand hygiene

scholarly journals Evaluation of facemask associated acne/ “Maskne” among health care workers and non-health care workers of India during COVID-19 pandemic-A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
Krina B Patel ◽  
Savfeena M. Nagani ◽  
Aanal T. Patel ◽  
Nirav Bapat
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Front Line Workers

“MASK-NE”-Mask associated Acne, is a common form of acne during COVID-19 pandemic. It is type of acne mechanica seen when external factor occludes the skin, leads to irritation, inflammation and starts/aggravates all grades of acne.We conducted a cross-sectional study among 773 participants, using a Self-administered, aim oriented, questionnaire which includes demographic data, acne related history, type and duration of wearing mask & other mask related skin problems in COVID-19 pandemic during 15 October to 15December,2020.: Among 773 participants, age ranged 18-45 years with mean 30.69 (SD: 61.30) and M:F was 1:1.78. After starting of Pandemic, occurrence of new development of mask associated Acne/ Maskne was higher among Health Care Workers (HCW) (34.98%) as compared to non- Health Care Workers (non-HCWs) (17.36%). Moreover, more number of HCWs had aggravation of their pre-existing acne and/or development of new of acne during pandemic (81.2%) than non-HCWs (61%). Wearing N95 type of mask showed the highest aggravation (82%) of Maskne as compare to wearing Surgical mask (75.5%) and wearing cloth (cotton) mask (65.6%).Wearing a face mask for 4 to 8 hours/day and &#62;8 hours/day showed increase in the aggravation of Maskne as compared to wearing a facemask &#60;4 hrs/day.Though wearing face masks can be the best strategy against COVID-19 infection, HAZARD OF THIS SAFETY is not negligible especially in front-line workers-doctors, nurses, pharmacist, policemen, hospital staff who are at higher risk due to several factors including type of mask use, duration of mask use etc.

scholarly journals “Face mask dermatitis” due to compulsory facial masks during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: data from 550 health care and non-health care workers in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-204
Author(s):  
Anne-Charlotte Niesert ◽  
Eva M. Oppel ◽  
Tobias Nellessen ◽  
Surina Frey ◽  
Benjamin M. Clanner-Engelshofen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Care Workers

scholarly journals Effectiveness of health care workers and peer engagement in promoting access to health services among population at higher risk for HIV in Tanzania (KPHEALTH): study protocol for a quasi experimental trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elia John Mmbaga ◽  
Germana Henry Leyna ◽  
Melkizedeck Thomas Leshabari ◽  
Britt Tersbøl ◽  
Theis Lange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Population ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Peer Engagement ◽  
Improve Access

Abstract Background While there are indications of declining HIV infection rates in the general population globally, Tanzania included, men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and people who inject drugs (PWID), now called Key Populations (KP) for HIV epidemic have 2–20 times higher infections rates and contributes up to 30% of new HIV infection. Tanzania have developed a Comprehensive Guideline for HIV prevention among key population (CHIP) to address the epidemic among KPs. However, these populations are stigmatized and discriminated calling for innovative approaches to improve access to CHIP. This project seeks to test the effectiveness of healthcare workers and peer-to-peer engagement in promoting access to CHIP among HIV at risk populations in Tanzania. Methods A quasi-experimental design involving Dar es Salaam City as an intervention region and Tanga as a control region will be done. Using respondent driven sampling, 1800 at risk population (900 from Intervention site and 900 from control site) will be recruited at baseline to identify pull and push factors for health services access. Stakeholder’s consultation will be done to improve training contents for CHIP among health care workers and peers. Effectiveness of healthcare workers training and peer engagement will be tested using a quasi-experimental design. Discussion The results are expected to co-create service provision and improve access to services among KPs as a human right, reverse HIV infection rates among KPs and the general population, and improve social and economic wellbeing of Tanzanian. Trial registration Retrospectively registered on 28th August, 2019 with International Standard Randomized Clinical Trial Number (ISRCTN11126469).

scholarly journals Intra-familial transmission of life-threatening group A streptococcal infection

2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. RECCO ◽  
M. M. ZAMAN ◽  
H. CORTES ◽  
J. COLUCCI ◽  
G. POOMKUDY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Streptococcal Infection ◽  
Invasive Infection ◽  
Additional Consideration ◽  
Invasive Group ◽  
The Past ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Group A ◽  
Close Contacts

Invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections have been of increasing concern worldwide during the past 15 years. Spread of group A streptococci to contacts with resulting invasive infection has been reported in families, in residential nursing homes, and even from patients to health care workers. We report an instance of temporally related life-threatening group A streptococcal infection in a husband and 2 weeks later in his wife. This example further emphasizes the need for careful observation among family members and other close contacts of patients with invasive group A streptococcal infection. Although at present there are no universal recommendations for monitoring or for antibiotic prophylaxis of close contacts of persons with invasive GAS infection, when added to existing literature, this report suggests additional consideration is required.

scholarly journals Assessment of Prevalence and Determinants of Occupational Exposure to HIV Infection among Healthcare Workers in Selected Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2014

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filmawit Aynalem Tesfay ◽  
Tesfa Dejenie Habtewold
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
The Past ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Debre Berhan ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Health Institutions

Introduction. Health care workers are exposed to different kinds of occupational hazards due to their day to day activities. The most common occupational exposure like body fluids is a potential risk of transmission of blood-borne infection like human immunodeficiency virus.Objective.To assess the prevalence and determinants of occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus infection.Methods and Materials. A descriptive cross-sectional institution based study was conducted in selected four health institutions in Debre Berhan town. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviewer administered questionnaire. The frequency distribution of dependent and independent variables was worked out and presented using frequency table, graph, and chart.Result. The overall prevalence of occupational exposure of the health care workers was found to be 88.6% (n=187) in the past 12 months. Contact to potentially infectious body fluids accounts for the largest proportion (56.7%) followed by needle stick injury (31.5%) and glove breakage (28.8%).Conclusion. In this study majority (88.6%) of the health care workers had a risky occupational hazard that exposed them to human immunodeficiency virus infection during the past 12 months. The statistically significant determinant factors were professional status, working room, and time of personal protective equipment usage.

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