Assessment of the risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare workers-findings from practice

SARS-CoV‑2 has rapidly spread over the world in a pandemic manner causing an infection of predominantly pulmonary manifestation named the COVID-19 disease. Currently, there is neither an effective vaccination nor a specific therapy available. At least two vaccines will be available at the time of pu...

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Published inBundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz Vol. 64; no. 3; p. 304
Main Authors Pfenninger, Ernst G, Christ, Pascal, Neumüller, Martin, Dinse-Lambracht, Alexander
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published Germany 01.03.2021
Subjects
COVID-19
Germany - epidemiology
Health Personnel
Humans
Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - prevention & control
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Germany
COVID-19
Pandemic
Risk matrix
Medical staff
Infection rate
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Summary:SARS-CoV‑2 has rapidly spread over the world in a pandemic manner causing an infection of predominantly pulmonary manifestation named the COVID-19 disease. Currently, there is neither an effective vaccination nor a specific therapy available. At least two vaccines will be available at the time of publication. In the international press, the risk for medical personnel of SARS-CoV‑2 is rated as high. The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's leading epidemiological authority, regards the risk of infection for the general population to be high. The aim of this article is to discuss and reassess the risk of infection and disease for healthcare workers based on practical experience, national regulations and guidelines, and the number of infections. Both unprotected healthcare workers and healthcare workers equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) are considered. A corresponding risk matrix is created.The risk of infection with SAR-CoV‑2 for healthcare workers is comparable to the general population and rated as high. Proper use of PPE reduces this risk to medium. PPE consists of liquid-proof gowns, gloves, and filtering face pieces (FFP; FFP 2 as a standard, FFP 3 for aerosol-releasing interventions), a hair cover, and protective goggles. Improper use of PPE, inadequate hygienic measures, and long working shifts increase the risk of infection.
ISSN:1437-1588
DOI:10.1007/s00103-021-03277-1