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Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers
Published in Hanadi Talal Ahmedah, Muhammad Riaz, Sagheer Ahmed, Marius Alexandru Moga, The Covid-19 Pandemic, 2023
Shahzad Sharif, Mahnoor Zahid, Maham Saeed, Izaz Ahmad, M. Zia-Ul-Haq, Rizwan Ahmad
The results obtained after simulation model-based study indicate that even mild effective masks can flatten the death curve. In summary, from 17 to 45% of deaths in New York could be avoided with 80% use of face masks which are 50% effective. To again analyze the impact of using face mask, 2 models were developed based on the SIR system. The models involved whether population adopted masking, growth-rate on daily basis and percentage decrease from the increased growth rates. The results provided a perfect relation between early adoption of masks and reduction rates of growth/death on a daily basis. Most of the researchers also emphasize on “Universal Masking” in order to inhibit the viral spread as lockdown of mouth and nose seems more suitable than the full body in the lock-down. No use of masks, even with proper social distancing can enhance the risk of half of the population getting infected with death rates crossing million [70].
The healthcare continuum
Published in Edward M. Rafalski, Ross M. Mullner, Healthcare Analytics, 2022
Screening is used as a primary public health prevention technique focused on avoiding disease altogether, generally by preventing disease development.7 National screening guidelines have been developed for a variety of disease states such as breast cancer, hypertension and diabetes drawing on the expertise of such groups as the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF).8 In the case of COVID-19, testing, a form of screening for the disease and a prevention measure used in the Swiss cheese defense model, standardization of process and requirements evolved during the pandemic. The Swiss cheese model of accident causation was updated to address the need for defense against respiratory infection prevention, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.9 Specific and sensitive testing and tracing is a critical component of the model. Other components include physical distancing, masking, hand hygiene/cough etiquette, avoiding touching your face, limiting crowds, ventilation/air filtration, government messaging/financial support, quarantine/isolation and vaccines (see Figure 3.4). Private organizations, mostly healthcare systems, took it upon themselves to develop an approach to testing in the broader community. Access was provided to established patients and new patients alike, at a cost born not by public health but by private institutions. This was done for the public good and acted as the first line of defense and gathering of early knowledge of the extent of community spread of the virus.
Battlefield Chemical Inhalation Injury
Published in Jacob Loke, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Inhalation Injuries, 2020
Human inhalational effects have been reported in groups of workers who, after handling this material in closed environments, developed bronchitis characterized by a thick viscus mucus with a sweetish taste. Respiratory exposures typically produce a prominent nasal burning sensation with diffuse rhinorrhea and sneezing. These effects are of such an immediate and intense nature that masking or escape is generally accomplished before serious respiratory exposure occurs. Data regarding more substantial exposures is reported for animals only.
Experiences with public health recommendations for COVID-19: a qualitative study of diverse mothers with young children in the United States
Published in Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 2022
Katherine R. Arlinghaus, Derek Hersch, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Katie A. Loth
Reducing the transmission of COVID-19 is a key priority to prevent health care systems from becoming overburdened and to reduce the disease impact of the virus [1]. A variety of strategies have been used worldwide to reduce disease transmission including masking, social distancing recommendations, stay at home orders, and vaccinations. While the efficacy and practicality of masking and social distancing are sometimes debated [2], these remain two key public health recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus that are widely recommended [3]. Current guidance in the United States includes masking and social distancing recommendations even among individuals who are vaccinated, which make these particular recommendations bound to remain important throughout the remainder of the pandemic and in its aftermath [4].
Predicting hearing aid use in adults: the Beaver Dam Offspring Study
Published in International Journal of Audiology, 2021
Lauren K. Dillard, Amy L. Cochran, Alex Pinto, Cynthia G. Fowler, Mary E. Fischer, Ted S. Tweed, Karen J. Cruickshanks
Audiometric testing was performed in accordance with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines and in compliance with standards defined by the American National Standards Institute (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2005; American National Standards Institute (ANSI)) 1999, 2010). Otoscopy and tympanometry were performed prior to audiometric testing. Testing was performed in sound-treated booths with clinical audiometers (calibrated every 6 months). TDH-50P earphones and ER-3A insert earphones (in cases of probable ear canal collapse) were used. Pure-tone air-conduction thresholds were obtained in both ears at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz and bone-conduction thresholds were obtained at 0.5, 2, and 4 kHz. Masking was used as necessary (Cruickshanks et al. 1998, 2003). PTAs were calculated in each ear from frequencies 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz and 6 and 8 kHz as measures of hearing sensitivity in speech and high frequencies, respectively. Air bone gaps were defined as a difference between air- and bone-conduction thresholds of ≥15 dB HL in either ear at 0.5, 2.0 or 4.0 kHz. Tympanometry was performed using a GSI-37 tympanometer. Abnormal tympanometric results were defined as having peak admittance at 0.226 kHz (Ytm) ≤0.1 or ≥3.0 mmho, or an ear canal volume ≥3 ml in either ear.
The COVID chronicles: An Employee Assistance Program’s observations and responses to the pandemic
Published in Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 2021
Daniel Hughes, Acanthus Fairley
On March 13, 2020, the Health System implemented special droplet precautions. Concerns about access to PPE were growing. On March 15th, there were 122 COVID-19 inpatients in the house. The following day, NYC schools were closed, creating serious child care issues for the health care workforce. Many day care centers were closed. Non-essential staff were asked officially to stay home as the principles of social distancing were broadly applied. Testing capacity remained limited. On March 17th, Mount Sinai began in-house COVID-19 testing in an effort to expedite accurate results amongst patients and staff. Visitor restrictions were initiated and elective procedures were halted. Universal masking standards were established for N95 respirators. The system braced for an unknown future as its operations were reconfigured. On March 22nd, there were 400 COVID-19 inpatients in the house. New York State (NYS) declared a state-wide “pause” the same day. The shut-down was in full swing.