Respiratory and Facial Protection: Current Perspectives in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

  • David Peres Unidade de Saúde Pública. Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde do Grande Porto IV - Póvoa de Varzim/ Vila do Conde. Vila do Conde. Comissão de Controlo de Infeção e Resistência aos Antimicrobianos. Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos. Matosinhos. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5744-904X
  • José Pedro Boléo-Tomé Serviço de Pneumologia. Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca. Amadora. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1889-0289
  • Gilda Santos Departamento de Engenharia de Produto. Centro Tecnológico Têxtil e Vestuário. Vila Nova de Famalicão.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.14108

Keywords:

COVID-19, Masks, Personal Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protective Devices, SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The new SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is an example of an international public health emergency, which is associated with considerable social and economic challenges. At the healthcare level there is the risk that nosocomial outbreaks can be local amplifiers. Adequate infection control practices are of critical importance, which include proper use of personal protective equipment. This equipment must be appropriate to the pathogen transmission route that, in the case of SARS-CoV-2, occurs through droplet and contact routes. The infected individual, when talking, coughing or sneezing, spreads droplets containing the virus, directly contaminating other individuals within one to two meters of distance, as well as the surrounding environment. Airborne transmission may occur when aerosol-generating procedures are performed. Concerning respiratory protection, there is currently weak evidence that the use of respirators provides better protection than surgical masks for SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses (with the exception of aerosol-generating procedures, in which case the use of a respirator is recommended). Eye protection should be guaranteed whenever there is a risk of splashes, droplets or
aerosols. The use of different, or higher than necessary, level of personal protective equipment, for the transmission route of the agent, is a form of misuse and can affect its supply for situations when it is clearly indicated. The adequate provision of protective equipment, as well as training of healthcare professionals in its correct use, is highly recommended to ensure safety of care.

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Author Biography

David Peres, Unidade de Saúde Pública. Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde do Grande Porto IV - Póvoa de Varzim/ Vila do Conde. Vila do Conde. Comissão de Controlo de Infeção e Resistência aos Antimicrobianos. Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos. Matosinhos.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
- Professional at Infection and Antimicrobial Resistant Unit
Matosinhos Local Health Unit – Pedro Hispano Hospital.

- Public Health Medical Resident - ACeS Póvoa de Varzim/ Vila do Conde

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
- Integrated Master in Medicine - Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto (FMUP).
- Advanced Course in Healthcare Associated Infection - Portuguese Catholic University.
- Master in Public Health - FMUP.
- Degree in Microbiology - Faculty of Biotechnology of Portuguese Catholic University (Porto).

Published

2020-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Peres D, Boléo-Tomé JP, Santos G. Respiratory and Facial Protection: Current Perspectives in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2020 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];33(9):583-92. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/14108

Issue

Section

Review Articles