Health Canada, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have developed infection control guidance for workers at risk. The recommendations include:

Hand Washing

Hand washing is the most important hygiene measure in preventing the spread of infection. Hands must be washed before and after contact with a patient. After contact with body fluids and after contact with items known to be contaminated with respiratory secretions. Plain soap may be used for routine hand washing.

Gloves

Gloves should be used as an additional measure, not as a substitute for hand washing. Gloves should be used before contact with the patient and they should be removed and hands washed prior to leaving the patient's room.

Gowns

Long sleeved gowns should be worn by all health care workers if direct contact with the patient is anticipated.

Mask, Eye Protection, Face Shield

Health Canada and CDC in the U.S. recommend N95 type respirators for use by health care workers during all patient contact. N95 filters belong to a group of air-purifying particulate filters certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and these certifications are used in Canada.

Particulate respirators are the same as what used to be called dust, fume, and mist respirators or masks. N-type filters are for airborne solid and water-based particulates. The "95" in N95 means that the filter can capture or stop 95% of the particulates 0.3 microns (micrometers) in diameter; but, to be effective the respirators must be well-fitted to the face to prevent leakage around the edges.

Surgical masks may offer some protection. However, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has recommended that the labelling for surgical masks contain the following precaution statement:

"Surgical masks, where worn properly may reduce potential exposure of the wearer to blood and body fluids but do not eliminate the risk of contracting any disease or infection".

For additional information about surgical masks please access the following website:

U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/094.pdf

Eye protection or face shields are also recommended for health care workers where there is a potential for splattering or spraying of blood or other body fluids.

For additional information about infection control and national advice for travellers please access the following website:

Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/sars-sras/index.html

For international resources about SARS you can access the following websites:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Disease
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/

World Health Organization (WHO), Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response (CSR)
http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/