A stranger in a surgical mask is a clear sign that flu season has arrived. It starts off slow — first a person riding the subway, a couple holding hands walking down the road. But as winter takes full effect, the masked population begins to increase. While these masks certainly seem like solid lines of defense against sickness, is wearing surgical masks one of the most important things you can do for your health, or are they simply a waste of money?
Location
For the record, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best protection against the flu is the flu vaccine (although this doesn’t seem to be the case in this year’s flu epidemic). Washing your hands frequently also offers indisputable protection against contagions. However, just because the surgical mask may not offer the best protection against the flu and other airborne diseases, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it doesn’t offer any protection. The face mask can be either highly effective or pretty much useless, all depending on where it’s worn and what you’re protecting either yourself or others from.
The face mask is highly effective in preventing the transmission of disease when used inside of hospitals or other health care settings, The New York Times reported. Also, the mask works well in home settings where an infected individual is living in close proximity to uninfected family members. A 2008 study found that when used correctly those living with a sick family member were 80 percent less likely to be diagnosed with the illness.
It’s when people wear these masks in other locations that protection starts to waver and, frankly, the CDC is not quite clear what goes on when these masks are worn outside of health facilities. In a recent report on the subject, the organization wrote that “very little information is available about the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators in controlling the spread of pandemic influenza in community settings.”
Different Types of Masks
If you are considering wearing a mask to protect against infections, there are two types you should know about.
Facemasks
Facemasks are fairly loosely fitting, disposable masks approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses often wear them while treating patients. These masks prevent large droplets of bodily fluids that may contain viruses from escaping via the nose and mouth. Facemasks also protect against splashes and sprays from others, such as those from sneezes and coughs. The downside is that these masks don’t prevent the inhalation of small, airborne contaminants.
Respirators
Respirators, also called N95 respirator masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small particles in the air that may contain viruses. They are certified by the CDC and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The name comes from the fact that they can filter 95 percent of airborne particles, according to the CDC. N95 masks are also often used when painting or handling potentially toxic materials.
Respirators are selected to fit your face. They must form a perfect seal so that no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect against airborne infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and anthrax. Unlike regular facemasks, respirators protect against both large and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered much more effective at preventing the flu virus than regular facemasks. Still, studies have found benefits to both types of masks.
Guidelines for Wearing Facemasks
The CDC revised its healthcare setting guidelines for flu prevention to include facemasks and respirators in 2010. They recommend that healthcare workers wear facemasks when working with patients who have the flu. They also suggest offering facemasks to patients who show signs of respiratory infections. Respirators, however, are reserved for healthcare workers to wear during medical procedures.
Facemasks can help reduce the spread of the flu — but only if they’re worn correctly and frequently. For example, several people were excluded from the results of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases study because they didn’t wear their masks properly or when they should have.
Here are some guidelines for proper mask-wearing:
- Wear a facemask when coming within six feet of a sick person.
- Position the strings to keep the mask firmly in place over the nose, mouth, and chin. Try not to touch the mask again until you remove it.
- Wear a facemask before going near other people if you have the flu.
- If you have the flu and need to see the doctor, wear a facemask to protect others in the waiting area.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded settings if the flu is widespread in your community or if you are at high risk for flu complications.
- When you’re done wearing the mask, throw it away and wash your hands. Never reuse a facemask.
Bottom Line: To Wear, or Not to Wear
When it comes to the flu, prevention is still the best method of keeping yourself safe from this highly contagious virus. A facemask may offer added protection against getting sick. There are no known risks to wearing these devices, except for the cost of buying them.
Masks do seem promising, but it’s also important to utilize other preventive measures, too. Make sure you wash your hands often during flu season — especially if you’re around others who may be sick. Also, be sure to get your annual flu shot to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus.
