The N 95 mask to prevent swine flu

With so many people suffering from swine flu, I have heard that using a face mask can help protect me from the infection. Is this true? Are masks really helpful in protecting you from contracting swin

By: Pavitra Sampath | | Updated: March 4, 2015 2:36 pm

With so many people suffering from swine flu, I have heard that using a face mask can help protect me from the infection. Is this true? Are masks really helpful in protecting you from contracting swine flu? What kind of mask should I use?

Swine flu is a viral infection that can be spread contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces and through droplets that get aerosolized when an infected person coughs or sneezes. One of the best ways to keep the infection at bay is to use preventive measures; one such measure is to use a face mask when in crowded places. (Read: 15 precautions every Indian should take to prevent swine flu)

According to Dr Arvind Aggarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, ‘ People should wear the N95 which is the recommended mask to prevent swine flu.’ You may also like to read about the 10 facts about swine flu you should know.

What is the N95 mask?

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) an N95 mask is a loose fitting device that creates a physical barrier between the person wearing it from contaminants in the air. The N95 mask is made specially to keep bacteria and viruses out and helps protect you from large droplets of contaminated fluids, making it perfect to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus. Also read Swine flu symptoms and signs you MUST be aware of!.

What you need to know about the mask:

1. The N95 mask is carefully subjected to careful testing and can block about 95% of very small particles. However it does not promise complete protection from the swine flu virus.

2. The mask must fit properly and to do so you must wear the mask and adjust the straps so that it fits well. That being said, this mask cannot be used for small children people with facial hair as in such cases a proper fit cannot be guaranteed.

3. Your face mask is often labelled ‘single use’ and must be properly discarded (by putting it in a plastic bag, sealing it and throwing it in a dustbin) if it becomes soiled or you find it difficult to breathe through it.

4. If you suffer from any respiratory impairment or you find it difficult to use, check with your doctor before using the mask as it can restrict breathing to a certain extent.

As per the FDA, the following masks can be used by the general population and are labelled as ‘not for occupational use’, they are:

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8670F
3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F
Pasture Tm F550G Respirator
Pasture Tm A520G Respirator

Image source: Getty Images

Published : February 25, 2015 7:05 pm | Updated:March 4, 2015 2:36 pm

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