Rethinking aerosol-generating procedures in COVID-19

Abstract

Dealing with COVID-19 pandemic raised several issues regarding aerosol generating procedures such High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) and Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV). Adequately managing patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, while, ensuring caregivers' safety is of utmost importance. Recommendations regarding aerosol generating procedures are, certainly, required to guide therapeutic attitudes in this context. However, excessive fear of contamination could interfere with patients' management. The present paper discussesthe place of aerosol generating procedures such as HFNC and NIV in the management of COVID-19 and does fear of aerosolization, solely, justifies the avoidance of these methods.