[Pandemic influenza A/H1N1v--guidelines for infection control from the perspective of Polish ITUs].

In some countries, the influenza A/H1N1v pandemic, recently announced by WHO, was severe. Up to 10-30% of patients required ITU therapy due to rapidly increasing respiratory failure. In Poland, recommendations concerning the management of A/H1N1v infections, including those during ITU hospitalization, are vague and scattered. The WHO guidelines stress that the spread of infections should be limited by observance of personal hygiene rules, use of appropriate preventive measures and suitable administrative and technical actions. Only 30-60% of medical staff cleans their hands. Hand washing practices are inaccurate and too rare. Likewise, protective clothes and face masks are worn too rarely. FFP3 is believed to be the best mask in such cases, if properly used. Such masks should be individually adjusted, placed tightly over the face, without leaks around the edges. After use, masks and protective clothes should be considered as medical waste. Moreover, the guidelines for management of ITU patients diagnosed with A/H1N1v infections are extremely relevant in cases of other infections.