- It is important to recognize that if administrative strategies and work practices are inadequate, environmental strategies will not eliminate the transmission risk.
- Environmental strategies are based on mechanical or natural ventilation, and may be supplemented with filters.
- Personal respiratory protection (i.e., the selection and training in the use of respirators) is generally not a priority intervention, and should be only used in areas where concentrations of infectious droplet nuclei of M. tuberculosis cannot be adequately reduced by environmental and administrative strategies or in high risk settings such as specialized MDR-TB treatment units
- Respirators are different from face masks, such as surgical masks made of cloth or paper.
- Use of a face mask does not protect health care workers, other staff, patients, or visitors against TB.
|
