Healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections after discontinuing universal masking
Zachary Most, Bethany Phillips, Michael Sebert
Abstract
In November 2022, our pediatric hospital replaced the requirement for universal masking of all healthcare personnel and visitors in all clinical buildings with a requirement for masking only during patient encounters. Following this change, we observed an immediate, substantial, and sustained increase in healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections.
Topics & Concepts
Masking (illustration)MedicineRespiratory systemIntensive care medicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Respiratory tract infectionsVirologyInternal medicineDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)Visual artsArtInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsInfection Control in Healthcare