Absence of nosocomial influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era: Implication of universal masking in hospitals

Abstract

Universal masking for healthcare workers and patients in hospitals was adopted to combat COVID-19, with a compliance of 100% and 75.9% respectively. Zero nosocomial influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus infection was achieved from February to April 2020, which was significantly lower than the corresponding months in 2017-2019.

Emergency visits by older adults decreased during COVID‐19 but increased in the oldest old

“…This study confirms the concerns that the treatment backlog caused by the suspension of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic may result in an increased need for emergency care and hospitalizations among the older population. The prominent decrease in ED visits due to respiratory diseases is in line with previous studies [3][4][5][6][7] and suggests that the restrictions have been effective in protecting older people who are at risk for severe infection and death from hospitalization during the pandemic. 8 However, it seems that this protection has come at the cost of increased traumas, especially among the older population.…”

Impact of non-pharmacological initiatives for COVID-19 on hospital admissions due to pediatric acute respiratory illnesses

“…Second, the adoption of NPI to minimize the spread of respiratory viruses should be enhanced within hospital premises as well as initiated and/or properly promoted in the community, in childcare and educational environments [16] , [27] . Hand washing and the regular use of rubbing alcohol can be reinforced at home and at the community level [28] .…”

Infection control challenges in setting up community isolation and treatment facilities for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Implementation of directly observed environmental disinfection

“…the beginning of the COVID-19 era. [4][5][6][7] In addition, we retained close contacts of COVID-19 cases in quarantine centers, and we contained all confirmed COVID-19 cases in the airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) of hospitals. Infection control measures were enforced to minimize the risk of community and nosocomial transmission.…”