Following the updates and simplification of the
respiratory virus recommendations for community settings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its
ventilation recommendations. It is important to note that in the updated respiratory virus recommendations, nursing homes or health care personnel who are providing health care or nursing care to assisted living residents must continue to follow the health care
IPC guidance.
The ventilation guidance indicates that ventilation can reduce exposure to respiratory viruses in indoor spaces. Ventilation is considered a
core strategy, like
vaccination and good hygiene, that can help protect us from respiratory illness. The CDC offers tips for year-round ventilation which includes:
- Bring fresh, outdoor air indoors whenever possible by opening windows and doors, or even by having a window cracked open slightly.
- Make sure heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating as designed.
- Maintain the system
- Change filters regularly
- Ensure filters fit properly
- Use filters rated at MERV-13 or higher, when possible.
- Set ventilation systems to circulate more air when people are in enclosed spaces, by setting fan controls to “on” instead of “auto”.
- Air cleaners or air purifiers filter germs from the air.
- UV air treatment systems can kill germs in the air.
- Portable CO2 monitors can help determine how stale or fresh the air is in rooms.
- Check that exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms are working and venting outdoors.
- When possible, move activities outdoors to lower the risk of virus transmission.