Simple measures such as handwashing and the use of masks are an effective barrier to the spread of acute respiratory viral infections, according to the Cochrane Review, published in the November issue of the British Medical Journal.

As a recent study has shown, hand washing is an effective measure to reduce the incidence of pneumonia in developing countries. In this study, clear evidence was obtained of the effectiveness of a combination of interventions, such as personal hygiene and the use of barrier agents, in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses.

During a meta-analysis, the researchers searched the Cochrane Library, the US National Medical Library (MEDLINE and OLDMEDLINE), the EMBASE and CINAHL databases without linguistic restrictions to search for messages on the preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. The meta-analysis included results from randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case type studies, which assessed the effectiveness of various measures to prevent the spread of SARS (patient isolation, quarantine measures , use of barrier prevention methods, including masks, personal protection and use of various personal hygiene products).

From the 2,300 publications analyzed, 138 full-text articles were selected, including 49 publications from 51 studies. In 3 randomized controlled trials and in most of the cluster randomized controlled trials, the quality of the trials was poor.

Based on the results of high quality randomized cluster studies, it has been concluded that the spread of respiratory viruses can be prevented by using hygienic measures intended primarily for young children.

According to the results of a meta-analysis, it has been found that washing hands more than 10 times a day, using masks and respirators, protective clothing and gloves, reduces the likelihood of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Information on the use of antiviral drugs or antiseptic cleansers to prevent the spread of acute respiratory viral infections remains unclear.

According to the researchers, simple measures seem to be very effective in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses, especially when these activities are part of structured programs, including education and training.

As a preventive measure against the spread of acute respiratory viral infections, the authors of the article, based on the information processed, recommend frequent hand washing (with or without antiseptic), the use of gloves, masks, protective clothing and isolation of patients with signs of respiratory tract infections.