Airborne spread of SARS-CoV-2 while using high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy: myth or reality?

Abstract

In 2020, a new pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 was declared [1], and since the first cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), clinicians had to apply different modes of respiratory support, previously used on patients with severe respiratory failure from other etiologies. In particular, high-flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) were variably applied in early reports from China [2] and Europe [3]. Yet, the extent of airborne contamination of clinical areas during the use of HFNC has sparked intense debate and highlighted the need for inclusive investigation in this area.