Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Multicellular Human Alveolar Model Composed of Epithelial Cells and Primary Immune Cells for Hazard Assessment
Published on: May 6, 2020
Lessons learned: protection of healthcare workers from infectious disease risks
David J Weber1, William A Rutala, William Schaffner
1Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Objective:
To summarize current concepts on preventing occupationally acquired infections in healthcare workers.
Design:
Review of the pertinent medical literature.
Settings:
Focus on healthcare workers practicing in acute care hospitals, especially intensive care units.
Subjects:
Healthcare workers.
Measurements And Main Results:
Key components of an effective infection control program include the following: 1) pre-exposure immunization with vaccines to prevent mumps, measles, rubella, varicella, pertussis, hepatitis B, and viral influenza; 2) adherence to standard precautions when providing patient care, especially the performance of hand hygiene before and after patient care; 3) rapid evaluation and initiation of appropriate isolation precautions for patients with potentially communicable diseases; 4) proper use of personal protective equipment such as masks, N95 respirators, eye protection, and gowns when caring for patients with potentially communicable diseases; and 5) evaluation of personnel with exposure to communicable diseases for receipt of postexposure prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
Risks of acquisition of infectious diseases by healthcare workers can be minimized by adherence to current infection control guidelines.
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