N-95 Masks Surgical Masks About Flu Masks


	N-95 Masks Surgical Masks About Flu Masks

Know the Difference: Surgical Procedure Mask, N-95 Mask, Or Common Dust Mask

"Face Masks for protection against airborne infections like the flu will be in short supply in a pandemic. Not all masks filter virus particles and not all masks are fluid resistant. The N-95 mask provides better protection from airborne viruses but surgical masks could be used if the N-95 is not available or if the supply runs out."

FACE MASK RECOMMENDATIONS:
From the CDC Flu Website:

CDC Recommendations for Workers Involved with Avian Influenza (CDC.gov): Disposable particulate respirators (e.g., N-95, N-99, or N-100 (NIOSH 42 CFR 84)) are the minimum level of respiratory protection that should be worn.
All masks should be disposed of without touching the contaminated outside surface. Necessary protection also includes gloves, protective eyewear, antiviral sprays and solutions, and lots of soap and water for hand washing. Protective clothing should be warn as well if contact with the virus is anticipated.
If one is buying masks it is important to realize that once used, they are infectious and need to be disposed of properly and without infecting one's self or others. They should be disposed of after one wearing, or if wet or soggy. Flu is an airborne infectious disease and one can be infected by viruses in the air or on surfaces. Eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes need to be protected, but thought must also be given to contaminated surfaces. Influenza viruses can remain viable for 6-14 days and like the cold and survive in water. This is a real infection control challenge.

What Kind of Face Mask?

For workers who are dealing directly with infectious disease such as influenza, the CDC recommends an N-95 (or higher) face mask with a good tight fit around the edge where it contacts the face. These can be difficult to tolerate for long periods because they make breathing harder. They are more expensive than procedure masks.

A. N-95 Mask: The Ultimate, but not always easy to breathe. Fluid resistant and at least 95% efficient against solid and liquid particles larger than .03 microns, excluding those containing oil. (The "N" stands for Not oil proof) The N-95 or higher is a best choice if one expects to be exposed to influenza. The fit is important so that there are no leaks between the mask and face. Consider smaller sizes for children.
A " Duck-Billed" shape N-95 is available that allows extra breathing room for the face and nose.

B. Fluid Resistant Surgical Procedure Mask: Not optimal but an obvious second choice. These are not recommended for those working with patients infected with flu. They do offer some protection and are more comfortable and less expensive. High performance surgical masks exceed 99% filtration efficiency at 0.1 microns. Again, fit is important with airborne disease.
Procedure masks that would be fine for blood splatter and blood borne pathogen protection (hepatitis B and HIV) do not filter smaller airborne viruses like influenza.

C. Not to be relied upon are simple dust masks and procedure masks not meeting these fluid resistant and filtration standards. Most are not fluid resistant nor do they filter flu virus.


	N-95 Mask Home About Flu Masks What You Need to Know About Avian Flu Protection


	Look for NIOSH N-95 Stamp!


	Do not forget that Flu virus is airborne and can live outside the body for a couple of weeks. It can be caught from surfaces (use disinfectant) or from contaminated air. All mucous membranes must protected. This means goggles for eyes. Latex exam gloves are excellent protection: they should be removed with out touching the outside. They act as a psychological barrier to keep you from putting your hands in your mouth, eyes and nose. Coveralls may also be needed when one knows one is exposed. Disposal of used equipment without touching the infected surface is a must. No hanging your mask from one ear, wearing it on mouth but not nose, etc. Masks should not be re-worn and should be disposed of without touching the outside. Hand washing follows equipment removal. Hand washing in all circumstances at frequent intervals and at after touching surfaces is a good idea. Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, followed by disposal of the tissue is a must. Public spitting should not be practiced or tolerated.