Since the recent outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1), more commonly known as swine flu, IQAir has received numerous inquiries about the applicability of its air cleaning systems to address this serious health threat.

IQAir stand-alone air cleaning systems have an immediate application in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of airborne virus transmission based on the recommendations outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The benefits of air cleaning outside of healthcare settings to help prevent the spread of the disease has yet to be substantiated, and will depend on the exact transmission characteristics and scale of infection of the swine flu.

Similar to common seasonal flu strains, transmission of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is spread person-to-person by airborne droplets expelled from the respiratory tract during coughing or sneezing.

Most droplets created by coughing or sneezing are relatively large (more than 5 microns), and most will travel only a short distance (1-2 meters, 3-6 feet) before settling out of the air and onto surrounding surfaces. The highest risk of transmission is through the direct inhalation of these droplets when in close proximity to infected individuals, after sneezing and coughing. Another source of transmission is via contact with droplet-contaminated surfaces and the subsequent transfer to mouth, nose or eyes.

It cannot be ruled out that transmission can also take place through sub-micron droplets (droplet nuclei), which may remain suspended for longer periods of time and be transported over long distances.

The CDC issued the document “Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting” on April 28, 2009. Recommendations for reducing exposure to the virus include masking and separating people with respiratory symptoms as well as adopting droplet control precautions, such as the use of N-95 or above respirators for healthcare personnel.

The CDC recommends placing patients with suspected or confirmed case-status in single-patient rooms, preferably rooms with negative pressure air handling with 6 to 12 air changes per hour. The CDC recommends for air to be exhausted directly outside or be filtrated though a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter prior to re-circulation into the indoor environment.

IQAir offers a range of air cleaning systems, which meet the CDC guidelines in terms of filtration efficiency and air changes per hour. In addition, IQAir offers accessories for creating negative pressure environments.

Leading medical and research institutions around the world rely on IQAir air cleaning systems for their critical airborne infection control needs. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority selected IQAir as the only mobile air filtration solution for SARS patient rooms to protect staff, visitors and patients. Currently more than 150 hospitals, clinics and healthcare centers in Hong Kong alone are equipped with IQAir air cleaning systems. Throughout Europe, North America and Asia, IQAir systems have been used in healthcare settings for infection control of SARS, MRSA, TB, and the avian flu.