Preliminary Findings of a Randomized Trial of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions to Prevent Influenza Transmission in Households

Authors: Benjamin J. Cowling, Rita O. P. Fung, Calvin K. Y. Cheng, Vicky J. Fang, Kwok Hung Chan, Wing Hong Seto, Raymond Yung, Billy Chiu, Paco Lee, Timothy M. Uyeki, Peter M. Houck, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002101

Abstract Summary

A Hong Kong study tested whether face masks and hand hygiene could prevent flu transmission within households. Despite randomizing 198 households into control, mask, or hand hygiene groups, researchers found no significant differences in infection rates across interventions. Secondary attack rates were surprisingly low at 6%, possibly due to population immunity or study design issues. The findings informed improvements for subsequent research.

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Study tests face masks and hand hygiene to prevent flu spread in Hong Kong households. Found lower than expected transmission rates (6%), with no significant difference between interventions.

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