Table 1 Basic infection control measures regarding RSV at the hematology ward

Isolation of RSV positive patients:

RSV positive patients were isolated (single room or grouping of patients, if more than one RSV patient was present). Isolation was kept until at least one respiratory specimen was tested negative by PCR or had a ct value >  = 35 and the patient’s medical condition improved

Prophylactic isolation of patients with respiratory symptoms:

Newly admitted patients with respiratory symptoms and already hospitalized patients with onset of respiratory symptoms were separated from other patients and tested for a panel of respiratory viruses

RSV specific contact and droplet precautions:

Visitors and HCWs wore a surgical mask, a gown and gloves whenever entering the room of a RSV positive patient. RSV infected patients were asked to stay preferably in their individual room and were instructed in hand hygiene. Outside of the room RSV positive patients wore surgical masks (e.g., during urgently necessary examinations)

Quarantine:

Other patients sharing a room with a patient who tested positive for RSV were put in quarantine for 8 days

Preemptive droplet precautions on the ward (universal masking):

All HCWs and visitors wore surgical masks at any time when on the ward during winter season (usually December to March). The same applied to all patients when they left their patient room. Visitors were intensively instructed in droplet precautions and hand hygiene

Prophylactic RSV Screening:

Newly admitted patients were tested for RSV/Influenza (admission screening). In addition, once weekly a RSV/Influenza screening for all patients on the ward took place (prevalence screening) [19, 20]

Pre-Season Audits/Training:

Training for HCWs provided by the infection control staff prior to the winter season

Protective isolation:

Nursing in separate rooms for selected patients (e.g., for hematology patients with an expected prolonged and severe leucopenia)