Do You Need a Face Mask for Flu Protection? Whether non-health care workers need a face mask is being questioned by some ‘experts.’ There are two concerns: First, if the public buys all the masks, hospitals will not get them; Second, masks worn without


	MEDICAL-MASK What You Need to Know About Medical Masks and Flu Flu Masks: Get the Right One for You! Flu Links


	Who am I? I am a dentist who has done a lot of thinking about prevention of, and protection from, infectious Disease. I have researched masks, and other protective equipment as part of Flu planning for my own dental practice. For years now, we dentists have protected ourselves from blood borne viruses (hepatitis and HIV). Now we confront another difficult problem, Novel H1N1 (Swine) and H5N1 Bird Flu virus. I don't claim to have all the answers on this one (research into mask efficacy and use is ongoing and there are experts with diverse opinions). My hope is that the site supplies ideas for your further thought and investigation. A disclaimer: This site is offered for informational purposes only. The intention is not to provide professional advice, since everyone's situation is different. Ads that appear in the margins are not selected or endorsed by me. I do not know what ads will appear. Thanks for visiting. Please prepare, stay calm, remember that we are all in this together (humans and all species) and make wise decisions. Lynne Heckert, DDS, JD


	Dr. Lynne Heckert at work!

Do You Need a Face Mask for Flu Protection?

Whether non-health care workers need a face mask is being questioned by some 'experts.' There are two concerns: First, if the public buys all the masks, hospitals will not get them; Second, masks worn without a concept of how the virus behaves may give people a false sense of security.
My own opinion is simple: If I think I may contact a virus, one that is known to kill, and I know that virus is transmitted by my breathing it in, I want a mask. I want the best mask I can get. I want something between me and that virus when someone on a bus or airplane sneezes. The fact that a mask may not give me one hundred percent protection will not stop me from doing the best I can in the situation. Partial efficacy is better than no barrier at all.

You should know that virologists disagree, primarily because research on this topic has been sparse and conflicting. And, of course, there is concern that, if everyone buys masks, there will be an inadequate supply for healthcare workers and first responders. A good synopsis of present opinion in the scientific community can be found at .http://www.curevents.com/vb/showthread.php?t=100763

How do Humans Catch Flu?

Swine Flu is probably spread by droplets, drops of mucus or saliva filled with virus particles ( e.g., someone near you sneezes or coughs) Mucus and saliva can also be deposited on surfaces, door knobs, faucet handles, etc. allowing it to be transmitted to another person who touches the surfaces (wash hands and keep your hands away from your mouth). (Possibly the virus may also be airborne, or carried in air currents (via circulation of air).

Updated May 12, 2009