2. Anyone with signs and symptoms of a
respiratory infection, regardless of the cause,
should follow or be instructed to follow
respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
3. Develop mechanisms (such as printed materials in
appropriate languages) and strategies (such as
press releases and web postings) to educate
patients, visitors and staff about the importance of
respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette practices for
preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
4.
5. •Cover the nose/mouth with disposable single-use
tissues when coughing, sneezing, wiping and blowing
noses
•Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions
•Dispose of tissues in the nearest waste receptacle or bin
after use
•If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into the
inner elbow rather than the hand
•Practice hand hygiene after contact with respiratory
secretions and contaminated objects/materials
6.
7. Providing surgical masks (non-N-95) to all patients
and essential visitors with symptoms of a respiratory
illness. Instructions on when to use the masks (i.e.,
when coughing, sneezing, or controlling nasal
secretions), how and where to dispose of them, and
the importance of hand hygiene after handling the
material must also be provided. Providing tissues for
patients who cannot wear surgical masks.
Encouraging patients and essential visitors with
respiratory symptoms to perform hand hygiene. `
Making hand hygiene products available in waiting
room areas. `
8.
9. Designation of an area in waiting rooms where patients
with respiratory symptoms can be segregated at least 3
feet from other patients who do not have respiratory
symptoms. ` Placing patients with respiratory symptoms
in a private room or cubicle (preferably with negative air
flow) as soon as possible for further evaluation. `
Implementing a protocol for the use of surgical masks
(non-N-95) by health care personnel during the
evaluation of patients with symptoms of an infectious
respiratory illness.
10.
11. Educating registration and triage staff to remain at
least 3 feet from unmasked patients and to consider
wearing masks during respiratory infection season. `
Maintaining Droplet Precautions to manage patients
with respiratory symptoms (i.e., sore throat,
coughing, sneezing, runny nose) until it is
determined that the cause of symptoms is not an
infectious agent that requires precautions beyond
Standard Precautions
12.
13. Education of patients, families, visitors, and care
providers about how respiratory infections are
transmitted and respiratory illness can be prevented.
This includes asking family members, visitors, and
care providers to stay home if they are sick. Use of
posted signs (in languages appropriate to the
population served) with instructions and pictures
about how to cover your cough and wash your
hands. Availability and use of disposal tissues when
coughing and sneezing, and reminders to dispose of
used tissues properly.
14. The elements of Respiratory
Hygiene/Cough Etiquette
Education of healthcare facility staff, patients, and visitors
posted signs
source control measures (e.g., covering the mouth/nose with a
tissue when coughing and prompt disposal of used tissues,
using surgical masks on the coughing person when tolerated
and appropriate)
Keep contaminated hands away from the mucous membranes
of the eyes and nose
15.
16. •hand hygiene after contact with respiratory
secretions;
spatial separation, ideally >3 feet (1meter), of
persons with respiratory infections in common
waiting areas when possible.
Healthcare personnel who have a respiratory
infection are advised to avoid direct patient contact,
especially with high risk patients.
If this is not possible, then a mask should be worn
while providing patient care.
