The AHA strongly supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated flu prevention guidance for health care settings, particularly the emphasis on annual flu vaccination, the association said in comments submitted today. The letter also supports the document's return to standard and droplet precautions for both seasonal and H1N1 flu, including the use of facemasks for direct patient contact. Noting that the evidence to support this change has been in place for nearly a year, the AHA encourages CDC to "respond in a timelier manner when science and clinical experience demonstrates and supports updated recommendations." The letter also urges the agency to direct additional funding to research on the dynamics of flu transmission and the development of better fitting respirators that do not have to be fit-tested.