In otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery, there are several routine and surgical procedures applied to the upper airway that generate droplets and/or aerosols. Therefore, otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgeons are at higher risk of being exposed to viral content. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world with approximately 30 million affected cases and more than 900.000 deaths officially reported in more than 200 countries/regions from March 11th, 2020 to date (September 12th, 2020). All healthcare providers working at the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 are at risk of contracting the virus. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of the different types of respiratory protective equipment and remind about the surgery-based respiratory protection strategies in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgeries in the light of the latest literature.
Keywords: Otorhinolaryngology, COVID-19, contagious infection, healthcare provider, personal protective equipment, virus disease