H1N1 Prevention Tips For Oral Health Professionals and Patients
H1N1 Prevention Tips For Oral Health Professionals and Patients Simple ways for patients and oral health professionals to prevent catching and spreading the Swine Flu (H1N1) were identified in a recent statement by the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA)
H1N1 Prevention Tips For Oral Health Professionals and Patients
Simple ways for patients and oral health professionals to prevent catching and spreading the Swine Flu (H1N1) were identified in a recent statement by the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) as part of a global effort to limit the reach of the disease.
“The primary infection control goal is to prevent transmission of disease—that begins with the mouth,” says CDHA president, Daphne Von Essen. She points out most people may not realize how important it is to avoid sharing toothbrushes or allow toothbrushes to come into contact with one another.
“This is especially true if a family member contracts the flu. We recommend people throw out their old toothbrushes and get new ones if they are either sick or getting over the flu,” Von Essen says.
The CDHA guidelines emphasize proper respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, and reference a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control for individuals to cough directly into a tissue, shirtsleeve, or elbow rather than simply cover their mouths with their hands. Frequent hand washing throughout the day is also encouraged.
For dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dentists, the CDHA recommends the following infection control measures during patient assessment:
• Patients who have an acute respiratory illness should be sent home or placed in a single-patient room with the door kept closed.
• Offer a disposable surgical mask to individuals who are coughing, or provide tissues and a no-touch receptacle for disposal of used tissues.
• The ill person should wear a surgical mask when outside of the patient room.
• Oral health professionals assessing a patient who has a flu-like illness should wear a disposable surgical facemask, non-sterile gloves, gown, and eye protection (eg, goggles) to prevent direct skin and conjunctival exposure.
• Patient and oral health professionals workers should perform hand hygiene (eg, hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic hand wash) before and after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
• Routine cleaning and disinfection strategies used during flu seasons can be applied to the environmental management of swine flu.
“This is a serious flu but with proper steps and education, oral health professionals and their patients can help prevent the spread of H1N1,” Von Essen says.
Source: California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA)
