What should I know about using facemasks or respirators to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu?
Avoid close contact (being less than about 6 feet away) with the sick person as much as possible. If you must have close contact with the sick person (for example, holding a sick infant), limit your close contact time and try to wear a facemask (for example, surgical mask) or N95 disposable respirator. A facemask will keep large drops from sneezes from landing on your face. An N95 respirator that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask. Respirators are harder to breathe through than face masks. You can purchase facemasks and respirators at a pharmacy, building supply, or hardware store. You should wear an N95 respirator if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler, as directed by their doctor. Respiratory treatments should be performed in a separate room away from common areas of the house when at all possible or outside, weather permitting. Used facemasks should be thrown away when
