Fall is here and with it brings football, cooler temperatures, and changing leaves. Unfortunately, it also brings increased respiratory illnesses. Some common respiratory illnesses are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus and COVID-19. These illnesses are caused by a viral infection.
Respiratory viruses can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tract. An upper respiratory virus is defined as affecting anything above the vocal cords, while the lower respiratory illnesses affect areas below the vocal cords. Symptoms range from mild (those that affect the nose and throat) to more severe symptoms that can cause serious lung infections, such as pneumonia. Other symptoms of these illnesses are:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- New loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
What is a good way to distinguish between these different viruses? It’s different for different viruses, such as:
- Testing is the only way to distinguish between influenza and COVID-19. The only difference between the two is the symptom of new loss of taste or smell with COVID-19.
- A tell-tale symptom of RSV is wheezing.
- There are many different types of rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold and a common trigger for asthma attacks.
- Adenoviruses typically cause mild colds or flu-like symptoms. However, adenoviruses can develop symptoms such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).
There are vaccines available for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. There is no vaccine available for rhinoviruses nor is there a vaccine for adenovirus for the general public. There is a vaccine available to military personnel for adenovirus type 4 and 7.
Transmission of these illnesses occur in a similar format:
- COVID-19 is reportedly transmitted by a combination of droplets and airborne particles. These particles can travel up to 6 feet and may be carried through the air in droplets so small that they stay in air currents and can be inhaled.
- Influenza is reportedly spread by large droplets when a person coughs, talks, or sneezes.
- RSV can be spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people when they cough and sneeze. It can also be spread through direct contact, such as kissing the face of a child or touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your face (i.e., touching a contaminated doorknob and then touching your face without washing your hands).
- Adenoviruses are spread through close contact, such as shaking hands, through the air by coughing and sneezing, and by touching a surface with adenovirus on it and touching your face without washing your hands.
- Rhinoviruses are spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can be inhaled by others in close proximity. Direct contact such as handshakes and hugging infected people can also spread rhinovirus.
Healthcare personnel must adhere to infection control guidelines to protect themselves, patients, and coworkers from getting sick. A summary of infection control recommendations to reduce the spread of infection are:
- Wash your hands. Hand hygiene is the single most critical measure to reduce the spread of infection to your patients and coworkers. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled or dirty, after caring for patients with norovirus or difficile, before you eat, and after you go to the restroom. Alcohol based hand rubs can be used at other times such as before donning personal protective equipment (PPE) and after removing PPE. When using alcohol-based hand rubs ensure you use the correct amount and rub your hands for at least 15 seconds, or until your hands are dry.
- Get vaccinated. Stay up to date on vaccines and encourage your patients to do the same. It is recommended that all healthcare personnel stay up to date on vaccines.
- Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Place a “Cover your Cough” sign in the reception room. Have tissues, hand sanitizer, and waste cans readily available for your patients.
- Post signage or utilize patient messaging to alert patients who have symptoms what the protocols for your facility are such as:
- Wear a mask,
- Sit away from others, and
- Clean their hands after having contact with respiratory secretions.
- Check that the air handling in your facility is functioning as it should. Consult engineers to ensure that ventilation systems are operating properly. Make sure nothing is blocking air vents.
- Clean and disinfect your clinical contact surfaces utilizing an EPA registered hospital level disinfectant with kill claims for these viruses. Ensure the proper protocol for cleaning then disinfecting is strictly followed. The contact time of your disinfectant must be met. Follow instructions for use for the disinfectant and make sure you read the labels correctly.
- Regular environmental cleaning is also a necessity. Reception areas, kitchen areas (breakrooms), and restrooms are high traffic spaces where germs can spread. These areas must be routinely cleaned.
Following these measures and guidance from CDC along with other resources, healthcare personnel, including dental healthcare personnel, can provide a safe and healthy environment for patients as well as employees.
Disclaimer: These are not all inclusive for symptoms or infection control recommendations. There may be more!
Need help with an infection control plan for your dental or medical office? TMC has on-site training programs available to make sure your practice is compliant!
