摘要：In the event of an influenza pandemic, where effective vaccine and antiviral drugs may be lacking, disrupting environmental transmission of the influenza virus will be the only viable strategy to protect the public. We discuss 2 such modalities, respirators (face masks) and ultraviolet (UV) light. Largely overlooked, the potential utility of each is underappreciated. The effectiveness of disposable face masks may be increased by sealing the edges of the mask to the face. Reusable masks should be stockpiled, because the supply of disposable masks will likely prove inadequate. UV light, directed overhead, may be beneficial in hospitals and nursing homes. PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY FOR influenza has focused on vaccination and antiviral agents for prophylaxis and therapy. Both modalities concede viral penetration of the host. Interruption of transmission, before the virus has invaded the body, has received scant attention. We examine 2 potential modalities for the latter. Face masks (respirators) largely have received perfunctory notice from policymakers and are generally held, at best, to be of only modest value. 1 Ultraviolet (UV) light has been largely ignored. The potential utility of each is underappreciated. In the event of a pandemic where effective vaccine and antiviral drugs may be lacking, disrupting environmental transmission of the virus will be the only viable strategy to protect the public.
