Are surgical masks effective against stopping the swine flu?
Mexico swine flu deaths spur global epidemic fears By MARK STEVENSON Associated Press Writer Posted: 04/24/2009 07:51:04 AM EDT Click photo to enlarge People wear surgical masks as a precaution against infection at a bus… ((AP Photo/Miguel Tovar)) * « * 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * » MEXICO CITY—A unique strain of swine flu is the suspected killer of dozens of people in Mexico, where authorities closed schools, museums, libraries and theaters in the capital on Friday to try to contain an outbreak that has spurred concerns of a global flu epidemic. The worrisome new virus—which combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before—also sickened at least eight people in Texas and California, though there have been no deaths in the U.S. “We are very, very concerned,” World Health Organization spokesman Thomas Abraham said. “We have what appears to be a novel virus and it has spread from human to human … It’s all hands on deck at the moment.” People wear su
Dr. Mark Gendreau said in the New York Times that typical face masks filter about 62 percent of small particles, though you can get professional-grade masks that stop 98 percent of material. He said masks do not do their best work in protecting the wearer. But by stopping virus-laden droplets from people coughing or sneezing, they can help stop those who are infected from spreading the disease to others. “Bring an extra mask along, and kindly offer it to anyone coughing or sneezing who looks sick. This will keep any droplets from landing on you,” he said. An earlier guide based on the avian flu also suggests wearing a mask when caring for those who are already ill. And if you do wear a mask, you should wash your hands before and after putting it on or taking it off. Sources: http://www.kirotv.com/health/19303928/detail.
As always, people should wash their hands frequently, Besser said. In the past, the CDC has said there isn’t conclusive evidence to support using face masks. Surgical masks are designed to prevent the wearer from spreading germs, but may also catch large respiratory droplets if someone sneezes nearby. In a 2007 statement, the CDC said these masks could be worn if someone needs to go to a crowded place, such as a grocery store, for a short time. N95 respirator masks filter out 95% of particles to prevent the wearer from breathing them in. These must be fitted properly around the nose to create a seal, so they can make breathing difficult. Sources: http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/swine-flu-are-s.
