Review suggests measures to halt spread of infections
Spread of epidemic respiratory viruses might be prevented by taking precautions
over hygiene around younger children, a new Cochrane review concludes
(Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, issue
4).
The systematic review looks at the effectiveness of interventions that
delay or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, excluding vaccines
and antiviral drugs. It identified 51 studies, including randomised controlled
trials and observational studies of mixed quality.
The reviewers conclude that handwashing is an effective intervention
in reducing viral spread in schools and households. They add that the
effect of adding virucidals or antiseptics to normal handwashing is uncertain.
In addition, six case-control studies, which assessed the impact of public
health measures to contain the SARS epidemic, suggest that barrier measures,
such as gloves, gowns and masks with filtration apparatus, are effective
at containing epidemics.
However, the reviewers acknowledge that routine long-term implementation
of some of the measures might be difficult and, without the threat of
a looming epidemic, are only feasible in hospitals. They also highlight
the lack of proper evaluation of global measures, such as screening at
countries’ entry ports and minimising social contact.
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