[Precautions in the care of patients hospitalized with H5N1 avian influenza]

Abstract

Several agencies have proposed infection control guidelines for management of patients admitted with the diagnosis of avian influenza. These guidelines aim to prevent transmission from the patient to hospital personnel and other inpatients. The guidelines presented here by the Advisory Committee of Nosocomial Infections have been elaborated for the local medical community after reviewing currently available recommendations. Key recommendations include admission to an isolation ward, cohorting of confirmed cases, hand hygiene with antiseptic solutions, use of N95 type masks, non-sterile disposable gloves and eye protection equipment during examination or when performing aerosols-generating procedures. Use of patient-exclusive clinical instruments, daily disinfection of the hospital ward, implementation of measures to reduce risk of needle stick injuries and eye splashing, and reinforcement of appropriate sampling and transport of blood and other corporal fluids, are also recommended.