The impact of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on coughing distance: implications on its use during the novel coronavirus disease outbreak (18 March 2020)

Summary

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 threatens healthcare resources throughout the world. This is particularly true for the patients who develop moderate to severe respiratory failure and require oxygen supplementation devices such as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The HFNC uses humidification to allow the delivery of up to 100% oxygen at flow rates of up to 60 Lmin-1 ; however, there is a concern this may aerosolize respiratory tract pathogens.

This report states that patient requiring HFNC are at least used in single occupancy rooms or negative pressure airborne isolation rooms. Healthcare workers caring for those using HFNC should be wearing full airborne personal protective equipment (i.e., N95 mask or equivalent, gown, gloves, goggles, hair covers, and face shield or hoods).