Infection Source Control: Staying Healthy During the Holidays and Beyond

Spending time with friends and family during the holiday season are cherished moments. Unfortunately, the holiday season is often respiratory illness season. While some people enjoy time with their loved ones, others dedicate their time caring for patients in healthcare facilities. With the season fast approaching, let’s prioritize staying healthy, wherever your holiday plans may take you, by embracing source control measures.

Respiratory illnesses spread easily throughout communities due to the highly contagious pathogens easily aerosolizing when coughing or sneezing. Individuals become infected by inhaling these pathogens or by touching a contaminated surface, followed by contact with their mucous membrane. With the steady upward trend of respiratory viruses this season, prevention is crucial. As of November 11, 2023, CDC estimates that influenza alone has led to nearly 800,000 illnesses this season with approximately 500 deaths.

Source control, practiced alongside standard precautions, is fundamental for prevention of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and whooping cough. During periods of heightened respiratory virus transmission, emphasis on source control better protects healthcare staff and those seeking care. While source control is vital, hand hygiene plays an essential role as well. Following source control recommendations and practicing proper hand hygiene are essential in preventing the spread of all viral respiratory infections in healthcare settings.

What is source control and why is it important?

Source control, as the name implies, targets controlling the origin, or source, of the infection (e.g. covering a draining wound). Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are pivotal source control components during times of heightened respiratory virus prevalence in the community. Beyond protecting clinicians and patients, it protects their families and the community as well.

Masking for source control should not be confused with masking for respiratory protection. Respiratory protection fits snugly against the face creating a seal that protects the individual wearing it by filtering the inhaled air through the respirator, such as an N-95. Source control masking protects others by containing large respiratory droplets that occur when someone breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Examples of these masks are the surgical or procedural masks commonly observed in healthcare settings. Broader use of source control masking benefits patients at higher risk of severe outcomes and ensures better adherence to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

It is critical to note that certain populations, such as those unable to remove a mask without assistance, individuals with medical contraindications, and children under two years of age, should refrain from wearing masks.

Additionally, hand hygiene, using either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should occur anytime there is potential contact with respiratory secretions (i.e. coughing, sneezing). Placing alcohol-based hand sanitizer at entrances and areas of high traffic encourages adherence to hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain 60% or greater alcohol.

As we learned through the COVID-19 pandemic, accessibility to resources along with rapidly evolving recommendations led to barriers with infection prevention and control adherence. One study, where participants self-reported, indicates that even after COVID-19’s emergence there was less than 75% hand hygiene compliance after an individual coughed, sneezed, or blew their nose. Providing timely, clear, concise, evidence-based guidance and education facilitates adherence to source control measures and hand hygiene.

Final thoughts:

While the previously mentioned measures aim to mitigate the transmission of respiratory illnesses, they are not without limitations. When experiencing respiratory illness symptoms, individuals should contact their healthcare provider for guidance. The CDC also advises staying home unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider or seeking medical care.

Wishing you all a joyous and festive season with good health and well-being!