Simple physical interventions such as handwashing and wearing masks can reduce spread of epidemic respiratory viruses.

摘要

The nature of infection prevention and control is changing rapidly, and clinicians working in the field are expected to lead the implementation of evidence-based interventions to interrupt, reduce or eliminate the spread of infections. The novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and the coronavirus outbreak that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome have placed viral infection prevention and control centre stage, be it in primary care, acute care, home care, long-term care or other care facilities, the community, schools or households. No less important is prevention and control of the more common viruses that cause acute respiratory tract infections.