What information do you have about using masks during a pandemic?

Answer:

Surgical mask and respirator use (N-95 or higher) is one component of a system of infection control practices to prevent the spread of infection between infected and non-infected persons where pandemic influenza patients might receive health care services (e.g., hospitals, emergency departments, out-patient facilities, residential care facilities, emergency medical services, home health care delivery).

It should be noted that there is limited information on the use of surgical masks for the control of a pandemic in settings where there is no identified source of infection (in the workplace or in public places).

Learn More:

• FDA Clears First Respirator for General Use (Video Webcast)
  Provides narrative and a video demonstrating the proper use of respirator
  
  
• Interim Public Health Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Non-Occupational Community Settings during an Influenza Pandemic (http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/maskguidancecommunity.html)
  
  
• Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic (http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/maskguidancehc.html)
  
  
• Masks and N-95 Respirators (DOL/OSHA) (http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html#introduction)
  
  
• Personal Protective Equipment and Influenza Outbreaks, including Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)(FDA)(http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ppe/fluoutbreaks.html)
  

Related Question

• Many people in flu-related movies and photographs are seen wearing surgical masks. Will masks protect me?
• 
  
• All Pandemic Influenza Qs
• Frequent Questions Home

Last Updated: 03/21/2007