Press release issued:
4 November 2021
The use of non-invasive breathing support, commonly known as CPAP or HFNO, to treat moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, isn’t linked to a heightened infection risk, as currently thought, suggest two new studies which included work led by University of Bristol researchers. The findings and a linked editorial are published today [4 November] in Thorax .
Both assisted breathing methods produced little measurable air or surface viral contamination, and not more than simple oxygen therapy, while coughing produced far more aerosol than either method, the studies show.
The findings prompt the researchers to call for a thorough reassessment of the infection control measures deployed for these respiratory support methods, both of which have been categorised as ‘aerosol generating procedures’ that expose healthcare staff and other patients to a heightened infection risk.
Read the full University of Bristol press release
Further information
Papers:
The authors of both these papers have previously posted non-peer reviewed, unedited versions for feedback from the research community, on a recognised preprint server.
Editorial:
'Coughs and sneezes spread diseases – but do “aerosol generating” procedures?' by David Arnold, Fergus Hamilton and Ed Moran in Thorax [open access]
