Surgical Masks and H1N1
April 29, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
Surgical masks are in big demand right now with the H1N1 outbreak (referred to as swine flu). But the masks are far more effective if worn by the sick person.
Surgical masks are useful for preventing spread, but won’t necessarily keep you from getting sick.
The CDC recommends frequent hand washing among other safety precautions. Wearing masks in the US hasn’t been recommended by the CDC, but the choice is yours. Just keep in mind that masks may spread fear. CNN took on the mask question recently with Masks keep you from spreading illness.
According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 91 confirmed H1N1 cases in the US across 10 states with one death reported. The death was a Mexican citizen who was brought to Texas for treatment.
For a summary of facts about H1N1, visit USA Today’s recent Q&A on swine flu.
(Image from Wheelchair Medical)
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