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Tuberculosis: the use of masks
in preventing transmission

In situations where there is a high risk of transmission of serious infections via the respiratory tract, masks offer protection to nursing staff and the patient’s entourage.

Tuberculosis and other contagious respiratory infections are transmitted from one person to another mainly via the respiratory tract, especially by means of infectious droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking). Tuberculosis bacilli can be passed on for up to three weeks after treatment has begun. Until treatment takes effect, protection of nursing staff and visitors is designed to prevent them from becoming infected and from passing the disease on to others. The best means of prevention are on the one hand informing patients and their entourage about how the disease is transmitted and prevented, and, on the other hand, isolating the patient in a room where there is plenty of fresh air.

Two types of mask are used to prevent transmission of tuberculosis and other respiratory infections. Surgical masks filter the air and the particles exhaled by the patient to prevent the contamination of the surrounding air; they are recommended for use when the patient leaves his/her room.

Respiratory protection masks filter the air and the particles inhaled and are designed to protect those around the patient. The choice of mask depends upon the gravity of the risk of transmission and the seriousness of the infection.

©Prescrire December 2005

Source: "Masques et tuberculose : filtrer l’expiration des patients infectés, protéger l’inspiration de l’entourage" Rev Prescrire 2005 ; 25 (267) : 845-848.

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