Does wearing a face mask help?
According to the CDC, “very little is known about the benefits of wearing face masks and respirators to help control the spread of pandemic flu.” But in the absence of clear science, the CDC has issued guidelines for wearing face masks and respirators. A face mask, like the kind your dentist wears, is a loose-fitting disposable mask that covers your nose and mouth. Face masks only help prevent contact with droplets, like those from a sneeze. The CDC recommends wearing a face mask if: • You are sick with the flu and might have close contact with others • If you live with someone with the flu, and might be in a crowded place • You are healthy and don’t expect to be in close contact with a sick person, but need to be in a crowded place A respirator fits snugly over the nose and mouth and protects the wearer from breathing in small particles by using a set of filters or other special material. They should be worn by people like caregivers, who might have extended exposure to sick people.
