The Journal of hospital infection
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The influenza season of 2017/2018 was burdensome in comparison to previous years. In patient management of seasonal influenza patients is poorly described. ⋯ Influenza patients managed by an infectious disease service on an influenza ward had reduced length of intravenous (IV) and total antimicrobial use compared to a GIM service and had reduced LOS compared to the standard of care, 'non flu ward' influenza patients.
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Comparative Study
A close shave? Performance of P2/N95 respirators in healthcare workers with facial hair: results of the BEARDS (BEnchmarking Adequate Respiratory DefenceS) study.
P2/N95 filtering face piece respirators (FFRs) protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from airborne infections. This study assessed the impact of facial hair on quantitative respirator fit in 105 male HCWs, of whom 38 were clean shaven, and assessed the prevalence of male facial hair at the study facility. Only 34 (32%) male HCWs overall achieved an adequate FFR fit, including 47% of clean-shaven men. ⋯ Adequate respirator fit decreased significantly with increasing facial hair (P<0.01 for trend). Facial hair was present on 49% of male employees. This study supports quantitative fit testing prior to P2/N95 respirator use.