Flu Mask Guide - Swine Flu Masks

With the 2009-2010 flu season right around the corner and all the media coverage on the potential swine flu pandemic, this might be the year to add some flu masks to the medicine cabinet.

Widely used in Asia as a means to prevent the spread of flu infection, flu masks can be effective. However, it's important to know which flu mask to purchase, how to wear them, and when they are most effective.

The CDC and various world health agencies recommend the use of an n95 mask to prevent both the swine flu and bird flu. The 95 refers to the fact that 95% of airborne particles are blocked by the mask. Further, an n95 flu mask blocks flu germs because they are too large to penetrate the weave of the mask. So an n95 mask should be worn by healthy people trying to keep from getting sick.

Before purchasing an n95 flu mask, check the box to be sure the mask is conforms to CDC and NIOSH standards for flu prevention. This should be stated clearly on the box.

Surgical masks are also recommended by the CDC and world health agencies for people who are already ill and want to contain germs to prevent spreading the swine flu or bird flu. They are not considered effective at preventing flu infection on an individual basis, but can reduce the overall infection rate.

It is acceptable to wear an n95 mask to prevent catching the flu and spreading the flu, but because n95 masks are more expensive, it may be worth investing in both surgical masks and n95 flu masks.

Keep reading to find out how to wear a flu mask-- technique matters! Oh and please cast a vote in our flu mask poll at the bottom of this page.

1.Flu masks should cover the nose and mouth.

2.They should be snug on the face. Note that facial hair can cause an imperfect seal and limit the effectiveness of a flu mask.

3.Most flu masks have two elastic bands, one should go below the ears, the other above, high on the back of the head.

4.Discard the flu mask after use or if it gets wet. Don't touch the mask as it may be covered in germs. Remove the flu mask by using the elastic straps and discard without touching.

Note that there are videos further down this page on how to properly use an n95 flu mask and surgical masks for flu prevention.

Next we'll discuss where to shop for flu masks and don't forget to vote in our flu mask poll at the bottom of the page.

Flu masks are a hot commodity and finding them, at any price, can sometimes be difficult. There are two issues when it comes to purchasing flu masks; finding them and finding them at the right price.

The flu pandemic panic has caused some price gouging by retailers so it's important to shop around for the right price. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to do comparison shopping online (scroll down for some links to reputable online retailers),

In the event that flu masks are hard to find or there seems to be a certain level of hysteria where you're afraid you'll have to mud wrestle someone for the last box of flu masks, skip the drug store and go to Lowes or Home Depot or an automotive paint store (i.e. Sherwin Williams, PPG, ICI etc...). N95 masks are often used during home improvement projects and for industrial applications such as painting cars.

Believe it or not, flu masks are not a foolproof way to prevent the flu. The Annals of Internal Medicine published a study in 2009 on the efficacy of flu masks at preventing the flu. Study results showed that flu masks are most effective when worn around infected individuals within the first 36 hours of flu infection and when combined with regular washing of the hands.

So unless your neighborhood or city has an active, widespread flu pandemic, there's no reason to wear a mask every day. It's probably not going to do much. However, if your neighbors get sick or someone in your family gets sick, you should consider wearing a mask to reduce the odds of infection. Note that it is vitally important to wash your hands too--the flu mask is only one component of what should be a comprehensive flu prevention protocol.

However, note that it is a good idea to have flu masks on hand before you need them. By the time you need them, so will other people in your community, a situation which can rapidly deplete store shelves.

Further down this page is a news video covering the study results. Also, please vote in our flu mask poll at the bottom of the page.

The swine flu is reported to be mild and the media coverage has given the whole thing a certain hyperfocus that eventually makes viewers numb to risk. Wearing a flu mask may seem like volunteering to entering the ring of the media circus, however, consider wearing a flu mask if...

1. Someone you know has an active flu infection.

2.You have chronic health problems, especially respiratory or heart diseases.

3.You have a weak immune system (i.e. using prednisone or other immune suppresing medication).

4.You have had pneumonia in the past and have been told you are at risk for pneumonia in the future. (Swine flu can result in pneumonia, which has been fatal.)

5.You are under the age of 50, which is the demographic at highest risk of dying from a swine flu infection.

6.You could lose your job or a significant portion of your income if you can't work due to being sick.

7.You work with the public on a regular basis.