NIOSH is urging greater use of respiratory protective devices (RPDs) to protect healthcare workers from infectious respiratory illnesses after finding gaps in hospitals' protection programs and workers' marginal compliance with recommended practices. In the March 22 document, NIOSH “addresses common myths related to respiratory protection and provides information to reinforce respiratory protection program administrator responsibilities and [healthcare workers'] knowledge concerning the proper use of these devices so that they can be prepared for the next public health emergency and best protect themselves in daily practice.”
