Do surgical masks really help prevent the spread of SARS?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently suggesting that people with symptoms related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), and people who come into contact with them, wear surgical masks. The World Health Organization has also approved a type of mask called the N-95 for medical personnel and patients. Based on these recommendations, it appears that the masks may be effective if used properly. That said, researchers believe that the virus is not airborne and can only be spread through close contact with an infected individual. Wearing surgical masks in public as a general precautionary measure has not been advocated by any major health organization. Also, many of the masks seen
