Strategies to prevent transmission of influenza include use of respirators. FFP2 and N95 respirators are certified to filter at least 95% of particles 0 3 μm in diameter and many guidelines have recommended that healthcare workers wear respirators in certain healthcare settings to protect against infection from patients with pandemic influenza.1–3
We have developed a proprietary acid-polymer formulation to coat a standard FFP2 respirator with an antiviral layer. We aimed to test this coated respirator for antiviral efficacy against a range of influenza viruses. As series of tests compared the antiviral efficacy of coated and uncoated respirators in conditions designed to simulate real-life exposure to influenza by varying the route of inoculation, contact time, temperature, humidity, moisture, and contaminating substances. We also investigated whether infections viruses should be transferred from contaminated respirator surfaces to gloves.
Authors: Herbert N. Prince, Karen Ramm, Daniel L. Prince, Sifang Steve Zhou, Phillip J. Yates, Phil Oths, Daniela Wlodarczak, Kimberly A. Biedermann
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