H1N1 Respirator
H1N1 N95 Mask
Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators for the control of influenza in community settings is highly limited. So , it is tough to assess their potential efficiency in controlling swine influenza A ( H1N1 ) virus transmission in these settings.
Face masks and respirators may offer extra protection, but should not be your first line of defense against the virus.
There's a difference between a face mask and a respirator. A face mask does not seal tightly to the face. Face masks include masks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks. Respirators are N95- or higher-rated filtering face pieces that fit snugly to the face. Respirators filter out virus particles when correctly adjusted -- which is not as simple as it sounds. But it's hard to breathe through them for extended periods, and they cannot be worn by children or by people with facial hair.
Lacking the presence of clear scientific information, the interim suggestions below have been developed on the principle of public health judgment and the historic use of facemasks and respirators in other settings.
In areas with confirmed human cases of swine influenza A virus infection, the chance for infection can be reduced through a mix of actions. No single action will supply complete protection, but an approach combining these steps can help decrease the chance of transmission.
These actions include frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and having unwell people stay at home, except to find hospital treatment, and minimize contact with others in the household. Extra measures that may limit transmission of a new influenza strain include voluntary home quarantine of members of homes with confirmed or possible swine influenza cases, reduction of needless social contacts, and avoidance when possible of crowded settings.
When it is totally critical to enter a crowded setting or to have close contact with people who could be unwell, the time expended in that setting should be as short as possible. If used properly, facemasks and respirators may help to reduce the chance of getting influenza, but they deserve to be used together with other preventive measures, like avoiding close contact and maintaining good hand hygiene. A respirator that fits snugly on your face can clear out little particles that may be breathed round the edges of a facemask, but compared to a facemask it is harder to breath through a respirator for long periods.
When crowded settings or close contact with others cannot be avoided, the use of facemasks or respirators in areas where transmission of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has been confirmed should be considered as follows:
1. Whenever possible, rather than relying on the use of facemasks or respirators, close contact with people who might be ill and being in crowded settings should be avoided.
2. Facemasks should be considered for use by persons who enter crowded settings, both to protect their nose and mouth from other people's coughs and to reduce the wearers' likelihood of coughing on others; the time spent in crowded settings should remain as short as possible.
3. Respirators should be considered for use by individuals for whom close contact with an infectious person is unavoidable. This can include selected individuals who must care for a sick person (e.g., family member with a respiratory infection) at home.
These interim recommendations will be revised as new information about the use of facemasks and respirators in the current setting becomes available.
