Attitudes of influenza-vaccinated health care workers toward masks to prevent nosocomial transmission of influenza

Abstract

Please cite this paper as: Brandt et al. (2010) Attitudes of influenza‐vaccinated health care workers toward masks to prevent nosocomial transmission of influenza. . Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(1), 61–66. Background Influenza viruses are highly contagious. Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposure to influenza and may transmit the infection to their patients and coworkers. Objectives The aim of the study was to characterize the attitudes of HCWs regarding the use of surgical masks to prevent nosocomial influenza transmission. Furthermore, we assessed the informational needs of HCWs with regard to infection control measures. Methods A survey was conducted among HCWs, using an anonymous questionnaire, at a German University Hospital during an influenza vaccination campaign. Results Overall, 40·5% of the HCWs were vaccinated against seasonal influenza, and 35·2% were vaccinated against Influenza A/H1N1 (“swine flu”). In total, 1445 vaccinees completed the anonymous questionnaire. Of all respondents, 70·5% stated that the infection control recommendation “wearing a surgical” mask was appropriate to avoid influenza transmission. The percentage of HCWs who would like to have had more information about the infection control measures was 67·5%. Conclusions Appropriate interventions ought to be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to influenza viruses among HCWs. Adherence to recommendations for the use of masks among HCWs needs to be evaluated. Further work is required to highlight the informational needs of HCWs to gain an appreciation of infection control measures.

Üçüncü basamak sağlık hizmeti veren hastane çalışanlarının mevsimsel grip aşısına yönelik yaklaşımları

“…Since risk perception of vaccination rates is higher in pandemics periods, Sevencan et al found the rates 36.4% whereas Ormen et al detected the rates up to 40.0% [13,14]. The reason for lower rates of vaccination in similar studies conducted worldwide is similar to the reasons detected in our country [15,16,17]. The most common reasons for rejection of the vaccination include being afraid of side effects of the vaccine, not believing the effectiveness of the vaccine and not considering the vaccine safe [18].…”

“…In addition to the questions about not having the influenza vaccination, some staff reported that their natural immunity is better and the vaccinations are manufactured for commercial benefits. The concern about influenza complications 16 The concern about spreading the disease to others 12/11.1 15/20. 5…”

Prevention of hospital-acquired pneumonia in non-ventilated adult patients: a narrative review

“…Universal use of mask irrespective of vaccination status is effective in reducing nosocomial transmission of influenza, but may be difficult to implement [57, 58]. HCW vaccination, cohort nursing and antiviral prophylaxis for high risk patients during an outbreak reduce transmission and the deleterious consequences of influenza infection, including lower respiratory tract infections [46, 48].…”

Attitudes of Healthcare Workers Towards Influenza Vaccine

“…Brandt ve arkadaşları (14) 2011 yılında 1645 sağlık personeli üzerinde yaptık-ları çalışmada aşı yaptırmama nedenlerini ajuvanlardan korkma (%33.6), kendini riskli grupta hissetmeme (%33.4) olarak bildirmişlerdir. Giannattasio ve arkadaşları (13) ise 2015 yılın-da 2557 sağlık personeliyle yaptıkları çalışmada, aşılanmama sebeplerini, kendini riskli grupta hissetmeme (%32.6), aşının etkinliğinden şüphe duyma (%33.7) olarak sıralamışlardır.…”