“…Essential aseptic precautions when providing epidural or spinal anesthesia including wearing a face-mask, sterile gloves and sterile gown, removal of wristwatch, hand washing, proper skin preparation, and a properly placed sterile drape are recommended. 45,46 No systematic review has evaluated these recommendations, and wide variations in what is considered to be essential aseptic precautions for placement of epidural catheters for labor and delivery have been documented. 46,47 Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality, seasonal and pandemic strains alike.…”