Efficacy of FFP3 respirators for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers

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cam.issuedOnline2021-11-16
dc.contributor.authorWeekes, Michael
dc.contributor.authorMatheson, nicholas
dc.contributor.authorIllingworth, christopher
dc.contributor.orcidWeekes, Michael [0000-0003-3196-5545]
dc.contributor.orcidMatheson, Nicholas [0000-0002-3318-1851]
dc.contributor.orcidIllingworth, Christopher [0000-0002-0030-2784]
dc.date.accessioned2022-01-07T16:50:06Z
dc.date.available2022-01-07T16:50:06Z
dc.date.issued2021-11-16
dc.date.updated2022-01-07T16:50:05Z
dc.descriptionFunder: NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre
dc.descriptionFunder: Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals
dc.description.abstractBackground: Respiratory protective equipment recommended in the UK for healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for patients with COVID-19 comprises a fluid resistant surgical mask (FRSM), except in the context of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). We previously demonstrated frequent pauci- and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, using a comprehensive PCR-based HCW screening programme (Rivett et al., 2020; Jones et al., 2020). Methods: Here, we use observational data and mathematical modelling to analyse infection rates amongst HCWs working on “red” (COVID-19) and “green” (non-COVID-19) wards during the second wave of the pandemic, before and after the substitution of filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirators for FRSMs. Results: Whilst using FRSMs, HCWs working on red wards faced an approximately 31-fold (and at least 5-fold) increased risk of direct, ward-based infection. Conversely, after changing to FFP3 respirators, this risk was significantly reduced (52-100% protection). Conclusions: FFP3 respirators may therefore provide more effective protection than FRSMs for healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19, whether or not AGPs are undertaken. Funding: Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, NHS Blood and Transfusion, UKRI.
dc.identifier.doi10.17863/CAM.79822
dc.identifier.eissn2050-084X
dc.identifier.issn2050-084X
dc.identifier.otherPMC8635983
dc.identifier.other34783656
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/332376
dc.languageeng
dc.publishereLife Sciences Publications Ltd
dc.publisher.urlhttp://dx.doi.org/10.7554/elife.71131
dc.rightsAttribution 4.0 International
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.sourceessn: 2050-084X
dc.sourcenlmid: 101579614
dc.subjectCOVID-19
dc.subjectFFP3
dc.subjectPPE
dc.subjectSARS-CoV-2
dc.subjectepidemiology
dc.subjectglobal health
dc.subjecthealthcare worker
dc.subjectinfectious disease
dc.subjectmask
dc.subjectmicrobiology
dc.subjectviruses
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectAerosols
dc.subjectAged
dc.subjectCOVID-19
dc.subjectHealth Personnel
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectIncidence
dc.subjectInfection Control
dc.subjectMasks
dc.subjectMiddle Aged
dc.subjectModels, Theoretical
dc.subjectRespiratory Protective Devices
dc.subjectSARS-CoV-2
dc.subjectUnited Kingdom
dc.subjectYoung Adult
dc.titleEfficacy of FFP3 respirators for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers
dc.typeArticle
dcterms.dateAccepted2021-11-07
prism.publicationNameeLife
prism.volume10
pubs.funder-project-idWellcome Trust (108070/Z/15/Z)
pubs.funder-project-idAddenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) (900275 Minute 47/20B)
pubs.funder-project-idMedical Research Council (MR/P008801/1)
pubs.funder-project-idMRC (via University of Warwick) (MR/V038613/1)
rioxxterms.licenseref.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rioxxterms.versionVoR
rioxxterms.versionofrecord10.7554/eLife.71131
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