The Central Independent Trade Union and Civil Servants (CSIF) reported that many nursing homes began recommending the use of masks for visitors since last week and that staff are already using this protection in these centres. According to CSIF, this initiative should also be expanded to include patients with chronic respiratory diseases or immunodeficiency in closed environments. With this panorama as context, the union asked the Ministry of Health to lead the process of developing a national minimum protocol to confront the resurgence of influenza, covering clear guidelines on prevention and management measures in health centers and residences.
According to the details published by CSIF, the request arises after the proposal of the Minister of Health, Mónica García, who called on the autonomous regions to agree, before December 1, on a common protocol against respiratory viruses. Among the measures that will be discussed is the mandatory reinstatement of the use of masks in enclosed spaces if necessary. The Federation stressed the importance of each community adjusting its response to influenza based on the local situation, but stressed the need to coordinate the national response to ensure coherence and effectiveness.
The CSIF recommended that the use of masks in health and social health centers be particularly recommended during periods when a high incidence of influenza and other respiratory viruses is observed. The union considered that this item should be part of emergency plans to confront the winter, and not be limited to general recommendations, but rather be integrated into specific and dynamic work protocols.
According to the union, saturation of health services during seasons with high transmission rates has been a recurring problem, which is why the autonomous communities have demanded staff reinforcement before health care pressure reaches critical levels. CSIF stressed that we should not wait until centers are overwhelmed to take action, as happened in previous winters.
The CSIF media outlet also noted that occupational risk prevention plans and protocols should include additional measures beyond the use of masks. He stressed strengthening prevention strategies in centers, and ensuring optimal ventilation in closed spaces. The union defended the priority of cross-ventilation in these rooms whenever possible, as well as efficient air renewal.
Regarding specific tools for air quality management, CSIF proposed the inclusion of carbon dioxide meters in health and social centres. According to the Federation, these devices allow monitoring carbon dioxide levels in real time and acting quickly if values indicating insufficient ventilation are detected, which would help reduce the risk of infection in times of high rates of respiratory diseases.
The CSIF insisted that all these measures – from providing resources and personnel, to improving ventilation and using carbon dioxide meters – should be integrated into winter emergency plans and activated in the event of identified increases in respiratory infections. The union believes that only a coordinated response, based on clear state guidelines and the continuous strengthening of means and resources, can prevent saturation and provide adequate protection for both patients, staff and visitors in health centers and residences, the union reported.