Influenza and other respiratory viruses
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · May 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialA cluster randomized clinical trial comparing fit-tested and non-fit-tested N95 respirators to medical masks to prevent respiratory virus infection in health care workers.
We compared the efficacy of medical masks, N95 respirators (fit tested and non fit tested), in health care workers (HCWs). ⋯ Rates of infection in the medical mask group were double that in the N95 group. A benefit of respirators is suggested but would need to be confirmed by a larger trial, as this study may have been underpowered. The finding on fit testing is specific to the type of respirator used in the study and cannot be generalized to other respirators.