Download Nebulisers: reducing the risk of infection spread

Nebulisers: reducing the risk of
infection spread
Patient and Carer Information
Picture used with the permission of The Asthma Foundation, New Zealand
www.asthmafoundation.org.nz
This leaflet provides you with information about alternatives to nebulised therapy and using
your nebuliser safely.
Alternatives to nebulised therapy
While in hospital you may be given nebulised drugs as part of your treatment. This is usually
stopped when you are discharged.
Some people may go home with a nebuliser as part of the treatment for their condition, such
as those with cystic fibrosis or severe asthma, or people with bronchiectasis who suffer with
repeated infections.
Most people with respiratory problems do not need to use a nebuliser regularly to control
their symptoms. There is an effective alternative available which is safer and more hygienic.
Clinical studies have shown that the correct use of a
Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) with a large volume
spacer is just as effective as using a nebuliser.
If you use a nebuliser and would like to switch to an MDI
and spacer; contact your GP or Nurse who will be able to
advise you.
If a switch from nebuliser to MDI and spacer is
recommended for you; your doctor or nurse will arrange
to provide you with one and teach you how to use them.
Using nebulisers safely
Evidence from previous flu outbreaks has shown that using a nebuliser can increase the risk
of spreading virus infection to family, visitors, carers and health professionals who are present
at the time of use.
If you have chest symptoms such as; cough, sneezing or nasal discharge and use a
nebuliser, you should try to avoid contact with others while your nebuliser is in use.
Any home visiting nurses, doctors or care staff should be made aware of the time you take
your nebuliser before they visit you, so that they can plan their visit around your treatment.
If a nurse or doctor is due to visit you within 1 hour of you using the home nebuliser
treatment, they may wear personal protective equipment; a face-mask, goggles, apron and
gloves, when providing any care required. This is necessary for their protection and to
prevent the spread of any virus. They may delay the visit to allow a gap between your
nebuliser use and their visit.
If you use a nebuliser as part of your treatment the information on the back page of this leaflet
will help you reduce the risk of infection spread while receiving your treatment.
Contact details:
GP: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Practice/Telephone: ……………………………………………………………………………………
Nurse: …………………………………………………………..........................................................
Telephone: ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Reducing the spread of infection
If you continue to use a nebuliser, there are some simple steps which you can take to reduce
the spread of infection.
•
If possible, use your nebuliser in a room that is not commonly used by others.
•
When possible, no one else should enter the room for 60 minutes (1 hour) after the
nebuliser has been used.
•
Keep a window open to ventilate the room.
•
Wash your hands before and after using your nebuliser.
•
Cover your mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze
and dispose of it in a bin immediately after use.
Then wash your hands.
•
Keep your nebuliser and mask clean and dry and replace your mask and tubing every 3
months.
Catch it
Bin it
Kill it
Developed by NHS Tayside Airways Group and reviewed by Specialist COPD Nurse
Reviewed: 02/2015 Review: 02/2017 LN0133