Infectious Disease Specialists: Practice What You Preach Free

Dear Editor,

Like other specialists in infectious diseases (IDs), I participate in many large meetings. Recently, I attended one in which some of the other participants seated nearby were visibly suffering from respiratory infections. I returned from the meeting only to develop a severe respiratory syncytial virus infection, which at my age proved serious and disabling. Although I have not done an epidemiological survey, at least one other attendee in my age group also became ill.

Unfortunately, this circumstance is not unusual but it is surprising that infected ID specialists who should know better do not wear masks or isolate themselves from close contact with others at meetings. This letter is a plea for ID people to practice what they preach.

Author notes