CDC guidance on respiratory protection: Still missing the point

This evening, CDC updated its recommendations for H1N1 infection control in healthcare facilities. However, CDC continues to recommend N95 masks for the care of confirmed, suspected or probable novel H1N1 influenza cases. As I noted in an earlier posting there is a shortage of N95 masks which prompted us to change our recommendation to droplet precautions, and as Dan noted, some states have now recommended the use of standard surgical masks. CDC has added that "facilities should implement plans to ensure appropriate allocation of personal protective equipment, including N95 respirators, and antiviral medications." That's easier said than done if you follow CDC's recommendation to continue to use N95 masks.