Swine Flu Info Blog

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

The N95 type mask will offer protection against the virus, yes. If you are determined to wear one, I suppose you would be most interested in a fluid resistant N95. Although I am afraid this is going to land on non-listening ears, you should know that your chance of getting the H1N1 virus by breathing it in is very slim to none unless you are working in a ward filled with folks with it. The flu does spread through droplets, true- but that is not how you catch it. You don't breathe in liquid droplets. They land on things, and you touch them. Then you introduce it to yourself via your hands. Your best protection is still soap and water. Wash your hands before you eat, wash things like veggies before you eat them, and keep your hands away from your face. All the masks in the world will not keep you safe if you don't keep your hands clean. As far as mask purchase goes, look for a NIOSH certification for a mask that can filter out at least 3 microns- which will exclude most virus out there. You won't find much price difference, not now anyway. Honestly, you would do better to invest in a hand sanitizer and soap.

July 22, 2009 at 1:48 PM

Lisa C said...

Please be advised that even the FDA warns us that face masks, or those worn by surgeons don't really protect you from swine flu. Virus are airborne particles. Why would people working to find a cure wear bio-hazard suits and respirators if they could just wear face masks?

July 22, 2009 at 5:54 PM

John said...

The CDC does not recommend face masks for preventing contracting the virus. They would only work if somebody who had it sneezed point blank into your face. Masks are for people who are already sick, in order to prevent them from sneezing and coughing on stuff. But if you must, check this link.

July 22, 2009 at 6:16 PM

qdougydo said...

If anything, face masks will make you more susceptible to viruses because they give you a false sense of security. Emphasis on false.
This is also why they look stupid.

July 22, 2009 at 8:39 PM

Mark D said...

Go with the 3M brand N-95 8200 or 8210 particulate respirator - lowest price most effective.

July 22, 2009 at 11:41 PM

jaja1111 said...

Call your local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist. You can buy them at the drug store, the pharmacist has them.

July 23, 2009 at 3:52 AM

Larry Dean said...

i know you are going to have to get one with small pores cause h1n1 has a small relative size....so make sure or you will have almost no protection if not...you might as well put a shirt over your face.

July 23, 2009 at 8:08 AM