Absence of nosocomial influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era: Implication of universal masking in hospitals

Shuk Ching Wong, Germaine Kit Ming Lam, Christine Ho Yan Auyeung, Veronica Wing Man Chan, Newton Lau Dan Wong, Simon Yung Chun So, Jonathan Hon Kwan Chen, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Jasper Fuk Woo Chan, Kwok Yung Yuen, Vincent Chi Chung Cheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Universal masking for healthcare workers and patients in hospitals was adopted to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with compliance rates of 100% and 75.9%, respectively. Zero rates of nosocomial influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus infection were achieved from February to April 2020, which was significantly lower than the corresponding months in 2017-2019.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)218-221
Number of pages4
JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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